A National Interfaith Memorial Service took place on Thursday morning at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, marking exactly one year since the tragic Ghana Air Force helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent public servants and military personnel.
The service, which commenced at 8:30 a.m., brought together President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, senior government officials, religious leaders, bereaved families, and members of the public in a solemn display of national remembrance and prayer for the "Departed 8."
Remembering the "Departed 8"
The solemn anniversary commemorates the August 6, 2025 tragedy, when a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crashed near Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region while en route to Obuasi on official duty.
The tragedy took the lives of key state officials and air force personnel, including:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah: Former Minister of Defence
Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed: Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
Samuel Aboagye: Former Deputy Director-General of NADMO
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna: Former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong: Former Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala: Lead Pilot (posthumously promoted)
Flight Lieutenant Manin Twum-Ampadu: Co-Pilot (posthumously promoted)
Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah: Flight Engineer (posthumously promoted)
Cenotaph Unveiling and Anniversary Activities
Following Thursday morning’s interfaith service, the Ministry of Defence is scheduled to officially unveil a memorial cenotaph later in the afternoon at 4:00 p.m. to permanently honor the memory and ultimate sacrifice of the fallen patriots.
The national anniversary events follow the official presentation of the state's support and compensation package to the bereaved families at Jubilee House on July 30, 2026.
As part of the weeklong memorial activities, a nationwide humanitarian blood donation drive titled "Service to the Soul" will take place on Saturday, August 8, across regional, district, and teaching hospitals nationwide including the 37 Military Hospital allowing citizens across the country to give blood in memory of those who lost their lives in service to the nation.
