Mahama Speaks on Tragic Army Helicopter Crash For the First Time, Announces Date For State Funeral
- President John Mahama has 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, were among the eight victims of the crash on August 6, 2025
- In his speech from the Jubilee House, President Mahama urged Ghanaians to unite as the country dealt 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.
The Ghanaian leader called the deaths a deep personal loss, during an address to the nation 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.
President Mahama also confirmed that a state funeral would be held on Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square in honour of them.
Probe into GAF helicopter crash is underway
The President further announced that the Ghana Armed Forces had launched an official probe into the crash.
He said an Investigative Board of Inquiry had also 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.”
In comments to YEN.com.gh, the Executive Director at the Bureau of Public Safety, Nana Yaw Akwada said the right lessons needed to be learned from the crash and the probe.
"The lessons we draw from this tragedy must lead to stronger safety systems and enhanced operational accountability, both in our skies and on the ground."
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.
Condolence book opened for helicopter 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.
President Mahama attends wreath-laying after crash
Earlier, President 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 helicopter tragedy
YEN.com.gh reported that President Mahama appointed Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to serve as acting Defence Minister, while Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah will oversee Environment, Science and Technology temporarily.
The presidency, in a statement on August 7, said the respective Finance and Lands and Natural Resources Ministers had been asked to take on these additional duties, with no timeline was given for the filling of the two posts.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
