"This tragedy is a personal loss” – Prez Mahama mourns victims of Adansi helicopter crash

President John Dramani Mahama has described the Adansi Akrofum helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight high-ranking government and military officials as a "deep personal loss."

Delivering a heartfelt national address on Thursday evening, the President paid tribute to the fallen patriots, acknowledging their service, sacrifice, and dedication to the nation.

The crash, which occurred on Wednesday in the Adansi Akrofum area of the Ashanti Region, has sent shockwaves across the country.

“It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I address you tonight,” the President began.

“Yesterday, a tragic helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofum claimed the lives of eight cherished members of our Ghanaian family.”

Among the deceased were:

• Dr. Edward Kofi Omanibuama, Minister for Defence

• Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammad, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and MP for Tamale Central

• Alhaji Muniru Muhammad Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

• Samuel Sappor, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)

• Samuel Abwaje, Deputy Director General of NADMO

• Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Ghana Air Force

• Flying Officer Satchum Ampedu, Ghana Air Force

• Sergeant Enes Ado, Ghana Air Force

President Mahama, visibly emotional, noted that he shared a close personal relationship with many of the victims.

“This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me,” he said.

“Our nation is grieving... we share your pain. Your loss is our loss — a loss of dedicated public servants, intellectuals, and individuals who tirelessly worked for a better Ghana.”

He described the victims as some of the nation's “brightest minds,” lauding their lifelong dedication to public service.

"That their final moments were spent in service is a testament to their unwavering commitment,” he remarked.

Acknowledging the public’s concern over the cause of the accident, President Mahama assured Ghanaians of a full and transparent investigation.

“The Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash,” he said, adding that an investigative board of inquiry has been established and that both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered.

He confirmed that all eight bodies have been retrieved and are being identified in coordination with the families for burial arrangements.

In the wake of the national tragedy, the President appealed for unity, urging citizens to refrain from speculation or politicization of the event.

“Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families. This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else has failed.”

He called on the nation to honour the memory of the fallen not only through words, but through unity, compassion, and a renewed dedication to national service.

President Mahama announced a schedule of national mourning and commemoration events:

• A national candlelight and memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 5 p.m. at the forecourt of the State House.

• Books of condolence will be opened from Sunday, August 10th to Thursday, August 14th at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the NDC Headquarters, and the NADMO Head Office.

• A full interdenominational state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15th at Black Star Square, to honour what the President called “eight heroes.”

President Mahama said: “May we all be comforted by the knowledge that though they are gone from our sights, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served. May God bless their souls, and may God bless our homeland, Ghana.”

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith