On Tuesday, August 12, President John Dramani Mahama paid a solemn visit to the families of three Ghana Air Force servicemen who tragically lost their lives in a military helicopter crash on August 6 in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The deceased—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—were among eight individuals who perished in the crash. The devastating incident also claimed the lives of several high-ranking government officials: Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong.
In the days following the crash, Ghanaians gathered in large numbers to mourn and honour the departed. On Sunday, August 10, thousands attended the funeral services of Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Muniru Mohammed, reflecting the nation’s deep sense of loss.
To officially honour all eight victims, President Mahama has announced a state funeral scheduled for Friday, August 15, at Black Star Square. During the ceremony, he will also unveil a special education fund designed to support the children of the deceased. This fund is intended to provide long-term financial assistance to ensure that the dependents of those who died in service to the nation can continue their education without hardship.
President Mahama, in his remarks, urged Ghanaians to channel their sorrow into a renewed dedication to national development. He stressed that the lives lost must serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility to uphold unity, honour sacrifice, and work toward building a stronger and more resilient Ghana.
