President John Dramani Mahama is leading a national interfaith memorial service in honour of the eight people who lost their lives in the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash.
The solemn ceremony is underway at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), bringing together Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the security services, families of the deceased and other mourners.
The memorial marks one year since the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Edward Kofi Omane-Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Mohammed Muniru, NDC National Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, Deputy Director-General of NADMO Samuel Aboagye, pilot Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, co-pilot Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and flight technician Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah as they travelled to the Ashanti Region to support efforts to combat illegal mining.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, departed Accra at 9:12 a.m. GMT on August 6, 2025, en route to Obuasi, before crashing into a wooded area at Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region.
The aircraft was engulfed in flames on impact, leaving no survivors. The tragedy sent shockwaves across the country and prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from political leaders, state institutions and the general public.
Today’s interfaith service is expected to honour the lives and service of the deceased while offering comfort and solidarity to their families and loved ones. Proceedings are ongoing, with prayers, tributes and reflections expected from religious leaders and state officials.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
