President John Dramani Mahama has called for national unity and restraint following the fatal crash of a military helicopter that killed eight high-ranking officials and service members on Wednesday. In a somber address to the nation, Mahama emphasized the need to rise above political divisions during a moment of profound national grief.
“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring,” the President said Thursday, following confirmation that all aboard the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter had perished when the aircraft went down in a forested area near Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region. “It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails.”
The aircraft, en route to the gold mining town of Obuasi, lost radar contact shortly before the crash. Among the deceased were Defense Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye. The military personnel onboard — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — were also confirmed dead.
President Mahama declared three days of national mourning beginning August 7 and outlined a series of commemorative events. These include an Evening of Reflections at the State House on August 9 and the opening of condolence books at key government institutions from August 10 through August 14. The mourning period will culminate in a state funeral at Black Star Square on August 15
Calling the victims “patriots who died in the line of duty,” Mahama underscored the importance of national solidarity in honoring their service and sacrifice. “Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost,” he said.
The President also pledged a full investigation into the cause of the crash, which has raised questions about the military's aviation infrastructure and safety protocols. Government officials have so far withheld speculation pending the outcome of the probe.
“This moment demands compassion, solidarity, and collective healing,” Mahama said, urging Ghanaians to remember their shared identity above political or ideological differences.
