The government has outlined a series of national events to mark the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight senior government officials and security personnel. In a statement issued on Thursday, July 30, Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, revealed that the commemorative activities will pay tribute to the memory, service, and sacrifice of the “Departed Eight.”
The commemoration, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders, alumni groups, and the bereaved families, will officially begin on Thursday, July 30, with the presentation of the state’s support package to the families of those lost.
On Tuesday, August 4, Burma Hall at Burma Camp will host the Dr. Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture, organised by the Ministry of Defence and the Pope John Senior High School Old Boys Association (POJOBA). The lecture, open to the public, will begin at 2:00 p.m.
A National Inter-Faith Memorial Service is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, starting at 8:30 a.m. President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang are expected to attend, alongside other dignitaries and the bereaved families.
Later that day, at 4:00 p.m., the Ministry of Defence will unveil a memorial cenotaph in honour of the victims. Attendance at the unveiling will be by invitation only.
The week of remembrance will conclude on Saturday, August 7, with the “Service to the Soul” Nationwide Blood Donation Drive. This humanitarian effort aims to replenish blood banks at hospitals across the country, including the 37 Military Hospital and other designated centres, in honour of those who perished in the crash.
Calling the tragedy one of the nation’s most painful moments, the government urged all Ghanaians, civil society organisations, religious bodies, media, and the public to participate in the commemorative activities and support the blood donation campaign. “The loss of these eight noble individuals remains a deeply painful chapter in our nation’s history. However, their spirit of dedication to duty must continue to inspire us as a people,” the statement read.
The victims, who were en route from Accra to the Ashanti Region on official assignment when their Ghana Air Force helicopter crashed in Adansi, included Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, NDC National Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, Former Parliamentary Candidate Samuel Aboagye, and crew members.
The government emphasised that the anniversary events are meant to honour the legacy of the departed while offering ongoing support to their families.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com