President John Dramani Mahama has urged leaders to ensure that the lessons from the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash are not forgotten, calling for stronger institutions, improved safety measures and better protection for public servants.
Speaking at a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service on Thursday, August 6, 2026, to mark one year since the tragedy, President Mahama said the loss of the eight officials should serve as a reminder of the responsibility placed on those entrusted with public leadership.
He said the tragedy must push leaders to make decisions that strengthen systems and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“Today should also be a moment of reflection for all of us who are entrusted with leadership, that every decision we make affects lives. Every public office is ultimately a sacred trust,” President Mahama said.
The President stressed that leadership goes beyond holding office and requires a commitment to the welfare and safety of those who dedicate themselves to national service.
“Their memory therefore imposes upon us a solemn obligation to build stronger institutions, to strengthen safety standards wherever necessary, to invest in the welfare of our personnel, and to ensure that no lesson from this tragedy will ever be forgotten,” he stated.
President Mahama said t
he best way to honour the victims is not only through memorials but by taking practical steps to improve public systems and safeguard the lives of those serving the country.
“The greatest memorial we can build is not one made of stone or bronze. It is one that is built through responsible leadership, improved systems, a steadfast commitment to protecting those who dedicate their lives to Ghana,” he added.
The August 6, 2025 crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter travelling from Accra on official duty went down, killing all eight people on board.
The victims included former Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong; and former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
Three Ghana Armed Forces personnel who formed part of the helicopter crew — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — also lost their lives.
The memorial service brought together the bereaved families, government officials, military representatives and members of the public to commemorate the lives and sacrifices of the eight victims.
