Mahama ‘down emotionally’ as Ghana mourns 8 cictims of helicopter crash

President John Dramani Mahama has been left “deeply down emotionally” following the tragic military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including two senior cabinet ministers.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, speaking after visiting the family of one of the victims, disclosed the President’s emotional state, describing the tragedy as a blow that had shaken the entire government and the nation.

“The President is down, down, down emotionally. We pray that God will give him the fortitude and the Ghanaian people the strength to accept this tragic loss,” Iddrisu said.

The victims

Government has confirmed that those who perished are:

Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central.

Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

Dr Samuel Sarpong, First Vice Chairman of the NDC

Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Ghana Air Force

Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu, Ghana Air Force

Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Ghana Air Force

The victims were aboard a Ghana Air Force Z-9 utility helicopter en route to Obuasi when the aircraft went off radar and crashed, bursting into flames upon impact.

Grief in Tamale Central

In Tamale Central, where the late Murtala Mohammed had strong political ties and a large following, scenes of grief and anguish filled the streets as residents gathered to mourn.

Many wept openly, recalling his commitment to community development and his distinguished political career, which included service as Deputy Minister for Information and Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry.

National Mourning and Official Response

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, announced that all national flags would fly at half-mast in honour of the fallen, describing them as patriots who died in service to Ghana.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families and called for unity in this period of national mourning.