President Mahama announces national mourning as investigation begins into Adansi Akrofrom helicopter crash

President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama has announced the tragic deaths of eight Ghanaians, including high-ranking government officials and military personnel, in a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region.

In a somber national broadcast delivered Wednesday evening, 7th August, 2025 at the Jubilee House, President Mahama expressed the nation’s profound grief over the loss of five passengers and three dedicated members of the Ghana Armed Forces.

“It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I address you tonight,” President Mahama began. “Yesterday, a tragic helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom claimed the lives of eight cherished members of our Ghanaian family.”

The Victims:

Among those who perished were several prominent figures in Ghana’s government and military:

1.Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence.

2.Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology.

3. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.

4.Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress.

5.Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO.

6.Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force

7.Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force.

8.Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force

“This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me. I shared close bonds with many of these individuals who died,” the President said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Investigation Underway:

President Mahama assured the nation that a comprehensive investigation into the crash has been initiated.

“I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash,” he stated.

“An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved. All eight of the bodies of our departed comrades have been retrieved, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families about identification of the bodies and final interment.”

Call for Unity:

In his address, President Mahama called for national unity during this period of mourning, urging Ghanaians to set aside political differences.

“In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians – united not just by nationality but by shared hope, shared humanity, and now, shared sorrow,” he said.

“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails.” He maintained.

Memorial Arrangements:

The President announced a series of memorial events to honor the deceased:

On Saturday, August ,9 at 5:00 PM, An Evening of Reflections and Memorial will be held at the forecourt of the State House

Sunday, August, 10 – Thursday, August 14, Books of condolence will be opened at the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, National Democratic Congress headquarters, and NADMO head office

On Friday, August ,15 : An inter-denominational state funeral will be conducted at Black Star Square

Tributes to the Fallen:

President Mahama paid individual tributes to the victims, describing them as dedicated public servants who died in service to their country.

“Dr. Omane Boamah was a brilliant and dedicated leader. Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed was a passionate voice for his constituents and a champion for environmental stewardship,” he said. “Squadron Leader Anala, Flying Officer Ampadu, and Sergeant Addo were dedicated members of our Air Force, embodying the best of their profession.”

The President concluded his address with a message of comfort: “May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served.”