President John Dramani Mahama has told the families of the eight people killed in Ghana’s 6 August 2025 helicopter crash that the country continues to share their grief, as he called for the tragedy to inspire safer systems and stronger public institutions.
Speaking at an interfaith memorial service on Thursday, 6 August, marking the first anniversary of the crash, Mr Mahama said no ceremony could remove the pain of losing a loved one. However, he said the victims’ service to Ghana and their sacrifice would remain part of the nation’s memory.
“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,” he said.
The President described remembrance as a national responsibility, arguing that countries preserve their values by honouring those who serve them. Although the victims came from different professional and personal backgrounds, he said they were united by their commitment to serving God and country.
Mr Mahama also urged Ghanaians to show greater appreciation for public servants during their lifetimes, rather than only after a disaster. He said many worked in challenging circumstances, spent extended periods away from their families, made important decisions under pressure and accepted personal risks in the belief that they were contributing to Ghana’s progress.
“Today we must resolve to appreciate public service even as it is performed daily. To appreciate those who labour faithfully, often without recognition, because they believe in something that is greater than themselves,” he said.
The President praised the support given to the bereaved families over the past year by citizens, religious organisations, traditional leaders and Ghana’s security services. He said that national solidarity reflected Ghana’s unity and shared humanity in the face of loss.
He called on leaders to consider the consequences of their decisions, saying every choice made in public office could directly affect people’s lives. The crash, he added, should reinforce the need to improve safety standards, strengthen institutions, invest in the welfare of public personnel and ensure that lessons from the incident were not forgotten.
“The greatest memorial we can build is not one made of stone or bronze. It is one that is built through responsible leadership, improved systems, and a steadfast commitment to protecting those who dedicate their lives to Ghana,” he said.
Mr Mahama urged citizens to honour the dead through integrity, selflessness and compassion. He asked them to put duty before personal interest, treat each other with kindness and help create a country where every citizen felt valued and every sacrifice was remembered.
“As we leave this memorial service today, let us carry with us not only sadness, but also a sense of purpose. Let us honour the departed by serving our nation with greater integrity. Let us honour them by placing duty above self-interest.”
“Let us honour them by treating one another with greater kindness. Let us honour them by building a Ghana where every citizen feels that their service matters and every sacrifice is remembered,” he stated.
He said the victims should be remembered for the commitment with which they served God and country, rather than for the circumstances of their deaths. He expressed hope that their legacy would encourage national unity and strengthen Ghana’s determination to build a better future.
“My fellow citizens, our faith teaches us that death is not the end. Whether we are Christian or Muslim, whether guided by traditional beliefs or by another path of faith, we all hold on to the conviction that every life has meaning beyond the years we count on earth.”
“And that is why we have gathered today in an interfaith service. We come from different traditions, but we lift up one prayer. We come with different expressions of worship, but with one shared hope,” he said.
The Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region.
Those killed included Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong; and former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
Three Ghana Armed Forces crew members also died: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Government officials, religious leaders, relatives and members of the public attended the anniversary service to remember the eight victims and reflect on their contribution to national service. Mr Mahama ended by praying for eternal rest for the dead and comfort for their families.
