Ghana today, Thursday, August 6, is observing the first anniversary of the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight distinguished public servants and military officers, with a series of national events to honour their memory and sacrifice.
The commemoration marks one year since the August 6, 2025 tragedy, when a Ghana Air Force helicopter crashed while en route to Obuasi, killing all eight occupants on board.
The victims, now collectively referred to as the “Departed 8,” included senior government officials, military personnel and public servants who died in the line of duty.
As part of the anniversary, the government will organised a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra.
President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang are expected to join families, government officials, military personnel and the public in prayers and remembrance.
Later today, the Ministry of Defence will unveil a memorial cenotaph in honour of the victims during an invitation-only ceremony.
The event follows an earlier memorial lecture held in honour of former Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah as part of the week-long commemoration.
The crash claimed the lives of all 8 people on board, including Defence Minister 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 other three military officers namely Squadron leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
The anniversary activities began last week when President Mahama presented compensation packages and long-term support to the bereaved families, reaffirming the government’s commitment to those who lost loved ones in the national tragedy.
The support included trust funds for the children of the deceased, health insurance and other welfare measures.
The commemorative programme will conclude on Saturday, August 8, with the nationwide “Service to the Soul” Blood Donation Drive, aimed at replenishing blood banks across the country in memory of the eight fallen heroes.
Government has called on Ghanaians to participate in the exercise as a lasting tribute to their service and sacrifice
