President Mahama Leads Solemn Wreath-Laying Ceremony for Helicopter Crash Victims

President John Dramani Mahama led a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Ceremonial Gardens of Jubilee House on Thursday to honor the eight people who died in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

The ceremony formed part of the three-day national mourning period declared by government to honor the memory of the victims, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, along with senior military personnel and party officials.

Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and National Democratic Congress National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia joined the President at the symbolic event to pay their respects to the fallen officials.

Members of the Council of State, family members, friends, government officials, members of the security services, and the general public also participated in laying wreaths during the ceremony at Jubilee House.

The wreath-laying ceremony provided the first formal opportunity for the nation to collectively mourn the loss of the senior government figures and military officers who perished in the helicopter crash while traveling to an event in Obuasi.

The tragic incident claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three military personnel including Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo.

The ceremony at the Ceremonial Gardens allowed Ghanaians to express their condolences and respect for the victims who died in service to the country. 

The three-day mourning period continues through Saturday, concluding with an “Evening of Reflections and Memorials” at the State House Forecourt.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD