- President John Mahama addressed the nation for the first time following the military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region
- The ministers for Defence and Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, died in the crash
- In his speech from the Jubilee House, Mahama urged Ghanaians to unite as the country deals with this national tragedy
President John Mahama made a call for unity in his first address on the military helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two ministers.
Mahama called the deaths a deep personal loss in an address from the Jubilee House.
Source: Facebook
“This is not the time for division, speculation and political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails. ”
In his address, the president recalled that he was close to some of the victims and extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased.
He also described them as gallant men who served with distinction.
A state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square in honour of them.
Probe into helicopter crash
Mahama further announced that the Ghana Armed Forces launched a probe into the crash.
An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been established to determine the cause of the incident.
“I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.”
Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were the ministers killed in the crash at Adansi Akrofuom.
The Z-9 helicopter they were travelling in crashed into dense forest as it was flying from the capital, Accra, to the town of Obuasi for a state event.
Books of condolences opened for crash victims
Books of condolence will be opened from Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14, at several key institutions.
These include:
- The Ministry of Defence
- The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- The Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters
- The National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters
- The head office of NADMO
Mahama attends wreath-laying ceremony
Earlier, Mahama made his first public appearance following the military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
He attended a candlelight and wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the eight lives lost in the crash.
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries were also present at the ceremony.
Source: Facebook
The wreath laying marked the first event as part of the three days of mourning over the fatal crash.
The laying of flowers and candle lighting will continue on Friday, August 8, 2025, to allow more time for citizens to express their condolences and respect.
The three days of national mourning will end on Saturday, August 9, 2025, according to the presidency.
Mahama replaces ministers killed in crash
YEN.com.gh reported that Mahama appointed Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to serve as acting Defence Minister, while Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah will temporarily oversee the Environment, Science and Technology portfolio.
The presidency, in an August 7 statement, said Mahama asked Forson and Buah to take on these additional responsibilities. No timeline was given for the appointments.
Source: YEN.com.gh
