Ghana bids farewell to eight helicopter-crash victims with state honours

By Samuel Asamoah

Ghana today held a solemn state funeral in Accra for eight officials who died in the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region, as President John Dramani Mahama called for national healing and announced posthumous promotions for the fallen service members.

The inter-denominational service began at 7:30 a.m. at the Forecourt of the State House, drawing senior government officials, the military high command, bereaved families and thousands of mourners. In remarks that framed the day’s tone, President Mahama described the crash as “unpredictable and violent,” urging the country to “turn sorrow into action” and “commit to healing as one.”

Authorities confirmed that the delegation was en route to Obuasi to launch the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) when their Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crashed on August 6. The dead were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Environment, Science and Technology Minister and MP for Tamale Central Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; NDC National First Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong; NADMO Deputy Director-General Samuel Aboagye; and three Air Force personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer (Flight Lt.) Manaen/Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. Two of the deceased, Murtala Mohammed and Muniru Limuna, were buried earlier on August 10 in accordance with Islamic rites.

At the ceremony, President Mahama conferred posthumous promotions on the military personnel, praising their “dedication, bravery and sacrifice.” The new ranks were formally recognised by the Ghana Armed Forces as part of the funeral observances. The President assured families that the state would stand by them as investigations continue.

The President’s message built on a week of national mourning that saw flags at half-mast, vigils across the country and a memorial event at the State House Forecourt ahead of today’s rites. Security agencies coordinated traffic diversions around central Accra to manage the large crowds.

Families’ tributes: grief, faith and public service

Personal tributes from the families underscored the private cost behind the public service of the deceased.

Rita Omane Boamah, widow of the Defence Minister, called her husband “truly God-sent,” recalling a hands-on father who “either bathed the children every morning or dressed them up” despite the demands of office. “It is well with my soul,” she said in a faith-anchored farewell.

The mother of Dr. Omane Boamah grieved her “only son,” describing him as a miracle and answer to prayer, in a tribute suffused with maternal pride and loss.

Children of Dr. Samuel Sarpong hailed the NDC Vice Chair as “more than a father… our hero, our role model,” praising his composure and sense of duty to community and nation.

Hannah Sarpong, widow of Dr. Sarpong, said she still expects his return from what he told her was a “return journey” to Obuasi. “You ran a good race… may the doors of heaven be open for you until we meet again,” she said.

The themes running through the eulogies — service, integrity and family devotion — echoed the President’s call to channel grief into concrete national renewal.

Ceremonial honours and interment

The service featured full military honours, Qur’an recitations and the laying of wreaths. Six of the bodies were to be interred at the Military Cemetery at Tse Addo near Burma Camp later today, with earlier Islamic burials having taken place for two of the deceased. Large turnouts were recorded at Black Star Square environs and designated parking areas as road diversions took effect.

Context and next steps

The crash, which occurred as the delegation headed to an anti-galamsey programme launch, has triggered a broad outpouring of national grief and renewed questions about procurement and operational standards for state aircraft. The Ghana Armed Forces and allied agencies have pledged a thorough probe, with government signalling readiness to adopt recommended safety measures when the inquiry concludes.