President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to set aside political and personal differences, and instead extend collective compassion to the families of the eight individuals who lost their lives in the recent military helicopter crash.
In a televised address to the nation on Thursday evening, President Mahama described the tragedy as a moment that should unite the country in shared grief, humanity, and hope.
“Let us put aside our differences. This is not a time for division, speculation, or political manoeuvring. It is a time for compassion, unity, and for the kind of empathy that binds us together as one people. Let our words bring comfort. Let our actions reflect kindness. And let our unity be the tribute we offer to those we have lost,” he said.
The Z-9 military helicopter, which was en route to Obuasi for an official assignment, went off radar on Wednesday, August 6, and was later found crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District. All eight onboard, five prominent public servants and three Ghana Air Force personnel perished.
President Mahama expressed condolences to the bereaved families, the Ghana Armed Forces, the affected ministries and agencies, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which lost valued members.
“May you find solace in their legacy and strength in the memory of their service. Though they are no longer with us in body, their spirit lives on in the heart of the nation they so faithfully served,” he said.
Memorial and Funeral Arrangements
The President announced the following national activities to honour the deceased:
Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 5 p.m.: An evening of reflection and remembrance 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, NDC Headquarters, and NADMO Head Office.
Friday, August 15: An interdenominational state funeral at Black Star Square to pay final respects to the eight fallen heroes.
