Ghana in Grief: President Mahama Declares 3 Days of National Mourning After Chopper Crash Tragedy
Nation to observe solemn tribute for eight lives lost in Adansi military air disaster
- President Mahama declares three days of national mourning starting August 7
- Eight people, including two ministers and three Air Force crew, died in the crash
- All national flags to fly at half-mast as the nation grieves the tragic loss
President John Dramani Mahama has declared a three-day national mourning period starting Thursday, August 7, 2025, in honour of the eight individuals who perished in a tragic military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
The announcement was made in an official statement issued on Wednesday, shortly after the devastating incident. The President has also suspended all his public engagements and official activities for the rest of the week, as the nation reels from the shock.
In line with the solemn observance, the Office of the Chief of Staff has directed that all national flags across the country be flown at half-mast until further notice.
The crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District and claimed the lives of several high-ranking public officials, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed. Other victims include Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC; and three Ghana Air Force personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Preliminary information indicates that the victims were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi when the aircraft lost contact with radar and was later discovered crashed in a forested zone. National security operatives led a recovery mission that retrieved the bodies from the wreckage.
The President’s declaration comes amid a wave of condolences from across the political divide, religious institutions, civil society groups, and international partners, all paying tribute to what many are calling one of the most painful moments in Ghana’s recent history.
