President John Dramani Mahama has called on leaders to ensure that the lessons from the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash are never forgotten, urging stronger institutions, improved safety standards and better protection for public servants.
Speaking at the National Inter-Faith Memorial Service in Accra on Thursday, August 6, 2026, to mark one year since the tragedy, President Mahama said the loss of the eight victims places a responsibility on leaders to build systems that will help prevent similar incidents in the future.
He said public office should always be seen as a responsibility and a sacred trust, stressing that every decision made by leaders has an impact on the lives and safety of citizens.
“Today should also be a moment of reflection for all of us who are entrusted with leadership, that every decision we make affects lives. Every public office is ultimately a sacred trust,” he said.
President Mahama noted that the memory of the victims should inspire leaders to strengthen institutions, improve safety measures and invest in the welfare of those who serve the country.
“Their memory therefore imposes upon us a solemn obligation to build stronger institutions, to strengthen safety standards wherever necessary, to invest in the welfare of our personnel, and to ensure that no lesson from this tragedy will ever be forgotten,” he stated.
He added that the greatest tribute to the victims would not be monuments alone, but practical actions that improve public systems and protect those who dedicate their lives to serving Ghana.
“The greatest memorial we can build is not one made of stone or bronze. It is one that is built through responsible leadership, improved systems, a steadfast commitment to protecting those who dedicate their lives to Ghana,” he said.
The military helicopter crashed on August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra on official duty, killing all eight people on board.
The victims included Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong, and former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
Three Ghana Armed Forces personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — also died in the crash.
The memorial service was attended by government officials, religious leaders, bereaved families and members of the public to honour the lives and service of the eight victims.
