Ghana to hold state funeral for “Ghana eight” as President orders full inquiry into helicopter tragedy

PRESIDENT John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will honour the eight victims of this week’s military helicopter crash with a state funeral at Black Star Square on August 15, as the nation prepares for days of reflection following what he called the loss of “eight cherished citizens.”

Speaking to the nation in a solemn address, President Mahama revealed that a Board of Inquiry has been established to conduct transparent investigations into the Air Force helicopter crash that occurred at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti region on Tuesday, August 6, 2025.

“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,” the President declared, promising accountability in the wake of the tragedy that claimed two cabinet ministers and six other government officials and military personnel.

The victims, now being memorialized as the “Ghana Eight,” include Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, along with Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala (pilot), Flying Officer Manin Twum‑Ampadu (co-pilot), and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The helicopter crashed in the Sikaman Forest while the delegation was en route to launch a government-backed mining and skills development programme in Obuasi — a mission President Mahama had originally been scheduled to attend before delegating the responsibility to his defence minister.

National Mourning and Memorial Events

President Mahama announced a series of memorial events to honour the fallen:

• Saturday, August 10: An evening of Reflections and Memorial at the forecourt of the State House
• August 15: Inter-denominational state funeral for all eight victims at Black Star Square
• August 10-14: Books of condolence open simultaneously at multiple government locations

The condolence books will be available at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO from Sunday through Thursday.

President Mahama confirmed that the government remains in close contact with bereaved families regarding DNA tests being conducted for proper identification of the bodies and final interment arrangements.

Call for Unity

In his national address, President Mahama issued a powerful call for unity, urging Ghanaians to set aside political differences during this period of national grief.

“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a testament to the strength, empathy, and the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails,” he said. “Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.”

The President emphasised the need for collective compassion: “In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians. Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families.”

Ongoing Investigation

The tragedy has taken on heightened significance given President Mahama’s narrow escape — he was originally scheduled to attend the Obuasi event but delegated the mission to Defence Minister Boamah at the last minute.

Among the victims, Squadron Leader Anala leaves behind a wife and a two-month-old baby, highlighting the personal toll of the crash on military families.

The Board of Inquiry is expected to examine all aspects of the crash, including suspected technical failure or weather-related causes, as Ghana seeks answers to one of its most devastating government tragedies in recent memory.

The loss comes at a critical time for Ghana’s national security, with the defence ministry having been actively addressing militant threats along the northern border with Burkina Faso, where Sahel insurgent groups have established operational bases.