President Mahama Urges Ghanaians To Honour The Sacrifice Of August 6 Helicopter Crash Victims

President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to honour the sacrifices of public servants and remember the eight people who died in last year’s Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash, saying their service to the nation must never be forgotten.

The President who was speaking at a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service in Accra on Thursday to mark one year since the tragedy,  said remembrance is not only about reflecting on the past but also about preserving the values on which the country is built.

The service, held at the Kofi Ohene Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), commemorated the eight people who died on 6 August 2025 when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while on an official assignment.

The victims included two ministers of state, three military personnel and three senior government officials - Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr. Samuel Sarpong and Mr. Samuel Aboagye respectively.

“We gather not to relive that pain, but to give it meaning. We gather because remembrance is an obligation for every grateful nation. A country that forgets those who served it slowly forgets the values on which it is built,” President Mahama said.

He described the victims as people from different backgrounds and professions who were united by a shared commitment to serve Ghana.

“None of them boarded that helicopter expecting that it would be their final journey. Like countless public servants every day, they set out to perform their duties,” he said.

The President said the anniversary was a reminder that “life is fragile, service is sacred and tomorrow can never be guaranteed.”

He also paid tribute to public servants across the country, saying many make significant sacrifices that often go unnoticed.

“They travel long distances. They spend countless hours away from their families. They endure difficult conditions. They make decisions under pressure. They accept risks because they believe that Ghana’s progress is worth every effort they put in,” he said.

President Mahama urged Ghanaians to appreciate public servants while they are alive rather than waiting until tragedy strikes.

He also extended the government’s condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.