Ghana will gather at Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, 2025, for a solemn state funeral dedicated to the eight individuals who perished in the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The ceremony, to be led by President John Dramani Mahama, will be the climax of a week-long national mourning programme.
The commemorations begin on Saturday, August 9, with an Evening of Reflections and Memorial at the forecourt of the State House from 5:00 p.m. This opening event will bring together state officials, families, and the public to remember the fallen.
From Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14, members of the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects through books of condolence placed at multiple locations, including:
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters
- National Democratic Congress (NDC) Headquarters
- National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Head Office
The disaster claimed the lives of five senior government figures and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel. Those who died were:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
- Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
- Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman
Military victims included:
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Preliminary information indicates the group had been travelling in a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter on their way to Obuasi for an official engagement when the aircraft lost radar contact. All eight bodies were recovered, and investigations to determine the exact cause of the crash are underway.
Earlier, the President had declared a three-day national mourning period starting Thursday, August 7, describing the deceased as national heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.
Due to severe burns from the crash, visual identification was impossible. The remains have been flown to South Africa for DNA and forensic analysis by internationally accredited experts. A CID forensic officer from the Ghana Police Service is accompanying the process to ensure proper verification of each victim.
