The Evening of Reflections and Memorial for the eight victims of Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash took place at the Forecourt of the State House, drawing mourners from across the nation.
This solemn ceremony was part of the official three-day national mourning period declared by President John Mahama to honour the memories of the eight individuals, including prominent figures such as Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, along with six others who lost their lives when a Ghana Air Force helicopter went down in the Adansi-Akrofuom District on August 6, 2025.
During his heartfelt address at the event, President Mahama urged Ghanaians to unite in their grief and draw strength from the legacies of the eight individuals who had dedicated their lives to public service.
He described them as a “guiding light” during this profound moment of national sorrow, emphasizing the need to remember their contributions to the nation.
The President also announced burial rites for the two Muslim victims — former Minister for Environment Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala and former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed. These rites, in accordance with Islamic traditions and customs, are set to take place on Sunday, August 10, 2025, allowing the community to pay their respects in a manner befitting their faith.
The evening’s memorial proceedings served as a poignant lead-up to the state funeral scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025, at the iconic Black Star Square. This event will include an interdenominational service, where people from various faiths and backgrounds will come together to bid a final farewell to the victims, celebrating their lives and the impact they made on the nation.
Present at the event were President John Dramani Mahama, First Lady Lordina Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin, as well as several members of the executive, ministers, and Members of Parliament from both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The families of the eight departed souls and members of the public were also in attendance.
Adomonline’s photojournalist, Joseph Odotei, was on the ground to capture scenes from the solemn occasion.
