President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to transform their grief into a renewed commitment to nation-building, as the country concludes three days of national mourning for the eight victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
Speaking at the Evening of Reflection and Memorial on Saturday, August 9, the President urged citizens to move “from grieving to accepting our loss,” stressing that the greatest tribute to the fallen is to continue their work in building a united and prosperous nation
“Let us commit ourselves to working tirelessly, transcending our differences, and focusing our energies on the monumental task of national development,” he said.
“They served Ghana with their last breath, and it is our sacred duty to continue that service to the Ghana they envisioned — a Ghana of opportunity, justice, and prosperity for all.”
The crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District, claimed the lives of:
• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
• Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
• Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
• Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, military officer
• Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, military officer
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, military officer
The Z-9 military helicopter carrying the victims went off radar while en route to Obuasi, and all on board were later confirmed dead. Their remains were positively identified through DNA analysis conducted in South Africa. Two of the victims, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Muniru Mohammed, are scheduled for burial today, Sunday, August 10, in accordance with Islamic tradition.
President Mahama’s appeal comes as the nation struggles to come to terms with the sudden loss of prominent public servants and dedicated military personnel. He emphasised that their sacrifice should serve as a rallying point for unity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of the Ghana they dreamed of.
