President John Dramani Mahama has announced that an interdenominational state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra to honour the eight individuals who lost their lives in Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
Addressing the nation on Thursday, August 7, President Mahama said the funeral will form part of a week-long programme of national mourning, which will also include an Evening of Reflection and Memorial on Saturday, August 9, at 5 p.m. at the forecourt of the State House.
Books of condolence will be opened from Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14, at the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO.
“On Saturday, 9th August at 5pm, the nation will gather at the forecourt of the State House for an evening of reflection and memorial in honor of our departed colleagues. Books of condolences will be opened simultaneously at the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, and the National Democratic Congress Headquarters, and also the head office of NADMO.
From Sunday, 10th August to Thursday, 14th August. On Friday, 15th August, an interdenominational state funeral will be held for the eight heroes at the Black Star Square,” he said.
The victims of the crash include Minister for Defence Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, NADMO Deputy Director-General Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The President confirmed that both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered, along with the remains of all eight victims. Samples have been flown to South Africa for DNA testing to aid in identification.
READ: Mahama leads nation in mourning victims of helicopter crash
Urging unity in the face of the tragedy, President Mahama called on Ghanaians to “set aside differences and offer collective compassion to the bereaved families,” stressing that this is a time for strength, empathy, and national solidarity rather than speculation or political division.
He assured the families of the deceased, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the affected ministries that the nation stands with them in grief and will honour the legacy of those who died in service to the country.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
