John Mahama urges Ghanaians to build the Ghana helicopter crash victims envisioned

President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to transform their sorrow into a renewed dedication to nation-building as the country concludes three days of national mourning for the eight victims of Wednesday’s military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

A Call to Move from Grief to Action

Addressing the nation during an evening of reflections and a memorial ceremony on Saturday, August 9, the President encouraged citizens to “move from grieving to accepting our loss,” underscoring that the most fitting tribute to those who perished is to advance their vision of a united and prosperous Ghana.

“Let us commit ourselves to working tirelessly, transcending our differences, and focusing our energies on the monumental task of national development.

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They served Ghana with their last breath, and it is our sacred duty to continue that service to the Ghana they envisioned, a Ghana of opportunity, justice, and prosperity for all,” he said.

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Details of the Ashanti Region Helicopter Crash

The crash occurred on August 6 in the Adansi Akrofuom District, claiming the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong.

Also among the deceased were three Ghana Armed Forces personnel—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—who were aboard the Z-9 helicopter when it went off radar en route to Obuasi.

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Victims Identified Through DNA Analysis

The victims’ remains were confirmed through DNA analysis conducted in South Africa. Two of them, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Muniru Mohammed, are scheduled to be buried on Sunday, August 10.

A Nation Called to Honour Their Sacrifice

President Mahama’s remarks come as the nation mourns the sudden loss of high-ranking government officials and military officers, emphasising that their sacrifice must serve as a rallying point for unity, resilience, and sustained national development.