Mahama Makes First Public Appearance Following Army Helicopter Crash, Attends Wreath-Laying Ceremony
- The government held a wreath-laying ceremony at the Jubilee House to honour the eight victims of the military helicopter crash
- The ceremony was part of the national three-day mourning period and took place at the Ceremonial Garden at the presidency
- Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang and Chief of Staff Julius Debrah were among the other dignitaries at the event
President John Mahama has made his first public appearance following the military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
Mahama, who is yet to comment publicly on the crash, attended a candlelight and wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the eight lives lost in the crash.
Source: Facebook
The president did not make any remarks during the event. Mahama is said to have been down emotionally after the tragedy.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu earlier gave the update on Mahama's immediate reaction to the crash during a visit to the homes of one of the deceased.
Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among the eight persons killed in the crash.
Mahama laid the first wreath in honour of the eight fatalities in the crash.
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony.
The other fatalities in the crash were NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The wreath laying marked the first event as part of the three days of mourning over the fatal crash.
The laying of flowers and candle lighting will continue on Friday, August 8, 2025, to allow more time for citizens to express their condolences and respect.
The three days of national mourning will end on Saturday, August 9, 2025, according to the presidency.
There will be an event called "Evening of Reflections and Memorials," which will be held at 5:00 PM at the forecourt of the State House in Accra.
Mahama replaces late ministers killed in helicopter crash
Mahama appointed Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to serve as acting Defence Minister, while Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah will temporarily oversee the Environment, Science and Technology portfolio.
The presidency said Mahama has asked Forson and Buah to take on these additional responsibilities. No timeline was given for the appointments.
"President John Dramani Mahama has asked the Minister for Finance, Hon Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to take on additional responsibility as Defence Minister."
"The President has also asked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology until further notice."
Akufo-Addo, Bawumia mourn victims of crash
YEN.com.gh reported that former President Nana Akufo‑Addo said he was shocked by the helicopter crash.
In a statement, Akufo-Addo extended his condolences to the government and the NDC hierarchy.
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also extended his condolences, saying the dead had paid the ultimate price in service to Ghana.
Source: YEN.com.gh
