Mahama Declares 3 Days of National Mourning Over Helicopter Crash That Killed 8
- Three days of national mourning have been declared following the military helicopter crash that killed eight people
- All official activities and engagements of the president for the remainder of the week have been suspended
- All national flags are flown at half-mast until further notice following the crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom district
President John Mahama has declared three days of national mourning beginning Thursday, August 7, 2025, in honour of the eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in a tragic military helicopter crash on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Presidency said all official activities and engagements of the president for the remainder of the week have been suspended.
Source: Facebook
The Chief of Staff earlier directed that all national flags be flown at half-mast until further notice.
The crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom district. The Ghana Armed Forces Z‑9 helicopter was en route to Obuasi. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the crash.
The five civilians in the crash were identified as Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru, Former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Samuel Sarpong and Former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East Samuel Aboagye.
The army personnel involved in the crash were identified as Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Their bodies have since been retrieved and were flown to Accra.
Vice president led delegation to victims' families
Mahama dispatched teams to the family homes of the victims to officially inform them of the passing of their beloved relatives.
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang led a high-profile delegation to the family house of Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru in Accra.
Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), also led another team to the family home of Dr Edward Omane Boamah in the Eastern Region.
Source: Facebook
Akufo-Addo mourns victims of crash
Former President Nana Akufo‑Addo said he was shocked by the helicopter crash.
In a statement, he extended his condolences to Mahama, the Nketiah, and the families of the victims.
The entire nation is profoundly shocked and saddened by the tragic news,” he said, referencing the deaths of Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah."
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also extended his condolences.
Bawumia said the dead paid the ultimate price in service to Ghana.
"Samira, I, the Bawumia family, and the NPP join the nation in mourning them. May the good Lord grant the bereaved families, the Government and people of Ghana strength and healing in this time of tragedy."
Mahama down after death of ministers
YEN.com.gh reported that Mahama is said to have been down emotionally after the August 6 tragedy
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu gave the update on Mahama's reaction to the crash during a visit to the homes of one of the deceased in the crash.
Source: YEN.com.gh
