The government has announced a series of national activities to commemorate the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight senior government officials and security personnel.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 30, the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the commemorative programme is intended to honour the memory, service and sacrifice of the victims, described as the “Departed Eight.”
According to the statement, the activities are being organised by the government in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders and alumni groups, with the participation of the bereaved families.
The commemoration will begin on Thursday, July 30, with the official presentation of the state’s support package to the families of the deceased.
On Tuesday, August 4, the Ministry of Defence, in partnership with the Pope John Senior High School Old Boys Association (POJOBA), will host the Dr. Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture at Burma Hall, Burma Camp, starting at 2:00 p.m. The event will be open to the public.
A National Inter-Faith Memorial Service is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
President John Dramani Mahama, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, is expected to attend the service alongside Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Chairperson of the Armed Forces Council.
Later that day, at 4:00 p.m., the Ministry of Defence will unveil a memorial cenotaph in honour of the victims. Attendance at the unveiling ceremony will be by invitation.
The commemorative activities will conclude on Saturday, August 7, with the “Service to the Soul” Nationwide Blood Donation Drive. The exercise will take place at all district, regional and teaching hospitals, the 37 Military Hospital and other designated centres across the country.
The government said the humanitarian initiative is aimed at replenishing the nation’s blood banks and saving lives in memory of those who died in the crash.
Describing the tragedy as one of Ghana’s most painful moments, the government called on Ghanaians, civil society organisations, religious bodies, media organisations and the general public to participate in the commemorative events and support the nationwide blood donation campaign.
“The loss of these eight noble individuals remains a deeply painful chapter in our nation’s history. However, their spirit of dedication to duty must continue to inspire us as a people,” the statement said.
The victims were travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region on an official assignment when the Ghana Air Force helicopter carrying them crashed in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025.
Among those who lost their lives were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, NDC National Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye and three members of the helicopter crew.
The government said the anniversary programme is intended not only to honour the legacy of the deceased but also to demonstrate continued support for their families while inspiring national service and unity.
