President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday, August 12, visited the families of the three Ghana Air Force servicemen who tragically lost their lives in the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The servicemen—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—were among eight individuals who died in the crash, which also claimed the lives of several high-ranking government officials.
Among the deceased were:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
- Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
- Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Earlier, on Sunday, August 10, Ghanaians gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects to Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Muniru Mohammed in a solemn farewell ceremony.
President Mahama has announced that a state funeral for all eight victims will be held on Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square in Accra. In honour of the fallen, he also revealed plans to launch an education fund dedicated to supporting the children of the deceased.
“This fund will ensure that the dependents of our fallen heroes are not denied education due to financial constraints,” the President stated. “It is our responsibility to carry their dreams forward through their children.”
He further urged the nation to channel its collective grief into renewed national unity and a stronger commitment to development.
“Their sacrifice must not be in vain. Let their memory inspire us to work together to build a stronger, united Ghana,” President Mahama said.
The tragic helicopter crash has plunged the nation into mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the country and beyond for the victims who died in service to the nation.
