President John Dramani Mahama has asked Ghanaians to foster peace while being reminded about the fragile nature of life.

President Mahama, who was addressing mourners at the interfaith and interdenominational state funeral held for the 8 victims of the August 6 helicopter crash, described the tragic incident as one no reason can be made out of.

“I’m sure that, individually and collectively, our nation will continue to mourn as we find ways to hold tightly to the memories of these men and to honor their legacies. There is no making sense of what happened. Despite whatever technical reasons or official explanations the investigation will yield, a loss of this magnitude, and in this manner, will never make sense to the grieving heart.

"What we can do, each of us in our own way, as we try to come to terms with this tragic loss, is to move in the direction of peace within our communities and families, having been reminded of how fragile life can be,” President Mahama said.

President Mahama further urged the nation to embrace the collective vision of Ghanaians, which the deceased also shared.

Helicopter Crash: Peter Bafemi, Twum Ampadu, Addo Ernest receive posthumous promotions

He also stressed the need for the nation to rally around the grieving family, including taking a keen interest in the welfare of the spouses and children left behind.

“Also, we can embrace the vision we shared with our fallen brothers for a stronger and more prosperous homeland. What we can do together as a nation is ensure that the lives of those who remain, specifically the children of our eight brothers, do not become the collateral damage of this tragedy. Grief can sometimes leave us feeling helpless and disempowered, but we are far from that,” the president.

In line with his call, President Mahama announced some measures by his government to honour the deceased and also cater for the welfare of their immediate family.

The measures announced by the president include a posthumous promotion for the deceased military officers among the victims, as well as national honour for the civilian victims.

9-year-old boy whose mobility surgery was funded by Dr Omane Boamah attends his funeral

"Promotions in our armed forces are never given lightly, and posthumous promotions are the highest mark of respect for duty performed, even unto death. Accordingly, I have approved the following: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala is promoted to the rank of Wing Commander. Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu is promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah is promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant.

"These are not just symbolic gestures. They represent the rightful place these officers have earned in our Republic’s roll of honor, and the benefits due to their families will be reflected in these new ranks. The Chief of the Defence Staff will oversee the ceremonial presentation of the posthumous promotion insignias to their families. Other colleagues who were civilians will be posthumously recognised at the next national honours ceremony," he added.

The president also announced the creation of a support fund for the children of the victims.

“The Children’s Support Fund for the children of the victims of the August 6 helicopter crash has officially been named. It will cover education, from primary school through to tertiary or technical training; healthcare, including medical insurance and specialised care where required; and welfare support, including clothing, shelter, and essential living expenses. I wish to express my thanks to Standard Bank, which has opened an account with an initial contribution of 500,000 Ghana Cedis.

“The government will make an immediate seed contribution to this fund and will operationalise and publish a detailed framework of the Children’s Support Fund within the next 30 days. My office will ensure that the Children’s Support Fund is sustained for the long term, with annual public reporting on how it has been used,” the president stated while announcing the creation of other channels to receive private support for the families.

On August 6, 2025, a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 military helicopter crashed into a forested mountainside in the Adansi Akrofuom District, Ashanti Region, killing all eight people on board. The helicopter was en route from Kotoka International Airport in Accra to Obuasi for an event focused on combating illegal mining.

The deceased include Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, 1st Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; and three crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.



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