Ghana in Mourning as Sombre Mood Overshadows Presidency

National Grief and Reflection in Ghana

Flags are flying at half-mast across the country, marking a period of national mourning and reflection. The atmosphere at the Presidency is solemn, with deep sorrow evident among all who gather to honor those who have passed away.

President John Dramani Mahama has declared a three-day period of national mourning following the tragic death of two Cabinet Ministers and six other public officials on August 6, 2025. These individuals lost their lives in a military helicopter crash near Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region. Their passing has left a profound impact on the nation, prompting widespread grief and tributes.

Over the past three days, people from all walks of life have come together at the Ceremonial Garden of the Presidency to pay their respects. Mourners dressed in black have laid flowers, offering silent tributes to the departed. Many have been overcome with emotion, unable to hold back their tears as they reflect on the loss of these dedicated public servants.

The President has taken time to grieve, canceling all his scheduled engagements for the week as a mark of respect for the fallen heroes. On Thursday, August 7, President Mahama and Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang were among the first to lay flowers at the garden. Their somber presence was captured by cameras, with the President seen wiping tears from his eyes.

Other notable figures who paid their respects include Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Presidency; Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the NDC; and Mr. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, General Secretary of the NDC. Their gestures underscore the deep sense of loss felt by the nation.

The victims of the tragic helicopter crash include:

• Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
• Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
• Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Dr. Samuel Sarpong, First National Vice Chairman of the NDC
• Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO
• Squadron Leader Peter Anala
• Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, all from the Ghana Air Force

In a broadcast to the nation, the President expressed his deep personal grief, stating that he shared close bonds with many of the deceased. He extended heartfelt condolences to their families and emphasized that their loss is a loss for the entire nation. “These eight individuals dedicated their lives to Ghana’s progress,” he said, highlighting their unwavering commitment to the country’s development.

High-profile dignitaries, including the First Lady Mrs. Lordina Mahama and her children, were present at the ceremony. The First Lady, accompanied by senior government officials, could not suppress her emotions during the tribute. Sierra Leonean President Dr. Julius Maada Bio also visited the site, laying a wreath on behalf of the Government and People of Sierra Leone and signing a book of condolence.

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, along with other political leaders such as Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, and Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Sarpong Kumankumah, also participated in the mourning. The Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie led a delegation of the Judiciary, urging unity among Ghanaians during this difficult time.

Government officials, religious leaders, and members of the security forces also attended the event, showing their solidarity with the grieving families. The outpouring of support from across the political spectrum and civil society reflects a strong sense of national unity.

The government has scheduled an inter-denominational state funeral for the eight heroes on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Blackstar Square in Accra. In his final words, President Mahama stated, “May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served.”