State Funeral Set for August 15th as Ghana Mourns Eight Victims of Helicopter Crash

Ghana will hold a state funeral on Friday, August 15th at the Black Star Square to honor eight prominent citizens killed in a tragic helicopter crash, President John Dramani Mahama announced during a national broadcast Thursday evening.

The inter-denominational service will pay final respects to the victims of Wednesday’s crash at Adansi Akrofuom, including two cabinet ministers and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel.

“On Friday, 15th August, an inter-denominational state funeral will be held for the eight heroes at the Black Star Square,” President Mahama declared, his voice heavy with emotion as he addressed the nation.

The victims included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Environment, Science, and Technology Minister Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, along with other high-ranking officials and military personnel.

He said the formal mourning period will commence this Saturday with an Evening of Reflections and Memorial at the State House forecourt at 5:00 PM, where the nation will gather to remember the departed.

Books of condolence will open simultaneously across multiple government locations from Sunday, August 10th through Thursday, August 14th. Citizens can pay their respects at the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, National Democratic Congress headquarters, and NADMO head office.

The helicopter crash claimed the lives of five passengers and three dedicated Ghana Armed Forces members. Beyond the two cabinet ministers, the victims included Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; and Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO.

The three military personnel killed were Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo, all of the Ghana Air Force.

President Mahama paid tribute to each victim during his broadcast, describing them as individuals who “dedicated their lives to Ghana’s progress” and whose “final moments were spent in service.”

While funeral preparations proceed, the President stated that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the crash. 

“An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been established, with flight data and cockpit voice recorders successfully retrieved from the wreckage,” he added.

All eight bodies have been recovered, and the government is coordinating closely with bereaved families regarding identification procedures and final arrangements leading up to the state funeral.

President Mahama used the solemn occasion to call for national unity, urging Ghanaians to “set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families.”

“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring,” he emphasized. “It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails.”

The President described the tragedy as both a personal loss and a national one, noting his close relationships with many of the deceased officials.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD