"May this funeral bring closure to a grieving nation" – Prez. Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to unite in compassion and solidarity as the nation bids farewell to eight gallant military officers and personnel who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash in Adansi.

Speaking at their state funeral in Accra, the President expressed hope that the solemn ceremony would “bring closure to a grieving nation.”

Reading a deeply emotional tribute, President Mahama honoured the fallen as “comrades, friends, and brothers” who served Ghana with “love, dedication, and sacrifice, even unto death.”

He acknowledged that no official explanation could fully make sense of such a devastating loss, but urged the nation to hold tightly to the memories of the departed and to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous homeland.

The funeral, attended by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, visiting dignitaries including Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Funk, the Speaker of Parliament, the Acting Chief Justice, senior government officials.

Others included; security chiefs, members of the diplomatic corps, religious and traditional leaders, and grieving families, was marked by both military honours and public displays of solidarity.

President Mahama revealed that the deceased military personnel had been granted posthumous promotions as the “highest mark of respect” for their service.

Squadron Leader Peter Appiah was promoted to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Isaac Mensah to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Lawrence Adomesa to Flight Sergeant.

The ceremonial presentation of their new ranks to their families will be overseen by the Chief of the Defence Staff.

The President also announced the creation of a Children’s Support Fund dedicated to the education, healthcare, and welfare of the children left behind by the victims.

The fund, which will cover schooling from primary through tertiary or technical training, as well as medical insurance and specialized care, will receive an immediate seed contribution from the government.

A detailed operational framework is expected within 30 days.

He appealed to citizens, corporate organizations, professional associations, and international partners to contribute generously.

He likened e initiative to the Ghanaian tradition of collective responsibility for children in the community.

"Let us promise that their children will never be alone,” he said.

President Mahama expressed deep gratitude to religious leaders, traditional authorities, civil society, emergency services, and foreign governments for their prayers, condolences, and support.

“It is this solidarity that affirms the strength of our national and international spirit,” he noted.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the President’s voice carried both resolve and sorrow: “May this funeral bring closure to a grieving nation. May God continue to bless our homeland Ghana and make it great and strong.”

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith