Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has on the first anniversary of the August 6th Military Helicopter Tragedy, assured families of the victims of continued national support.
According to Ghana News Agency, the President in his tribute at the National Interfaith Memorial Service held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy, reconveyed the deepest condolences of the Government and People of Ghana to the bereaved families. "I know that no speech can erase your pain. No addresses can fill that empty space at your dining table. And no ceremonies can replace the voices that you long to hear or the embraces that you still miss. You bore your grief with remarkable courage and dignity over the past year. In doing so, you have reminded all of us that love does not end with death," the President said.
He further stated, "It endures in memory, in faith, and in the lives we choose to live thereafter. Please rest assured that the nation still mourns with you. Your loved ones did not die alone. They belong to all of Ghana. And Ghana will continue to remember them."
The President remarked that the day marks a deliberate slowing of the nation's pace, driven by memory rather than history. He reflected on the tragic news from a year ago, when eight lives were lost in a helicopter accident while serving the nation. He noted that the silence following the announcement was filled with disbelief and unanswered questions.
Honoring the eight Ghanaians, President Mahama emphasized their shared purpose of serving God and country despite their diverse backgrounds and professions. He acknowledged that none expected their final journey on that helicopter, as they set out to perform their duties, leaving behind unfinished conversations and dreams.
President Mahama highlighted the fragility of life and the sacredness of service, urging appreciation for public servants who often work unnoticed. He emphasized the importance of leadership in building stronger institutions, strengthening safety standards, and investing in personnel welfare to ensure lessons from the tragedy are not forgotten.
The President concluded by emphasizing that the greatest memorial is one of responsible leadership and improved systems, honoring the conviction that every life holds meaning beyond earthly years. The interfaith service was attended by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and other state officials.
The eight distinguished Ghanaians who lost their lives in the August 6, 2025, helicopter tragedy while on national assignment include Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Minister for Defence; and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central. Others included Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, the Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC); Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO); Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen-Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, all of the Ghana Air Force.