President John Dramani Mahama has spoken for the first time since the deaths of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others in a tragic military helicopter crash that occurred on August 6, 2025.
In a solemn address to the nation on the evening of August 7, President Mahama described the incident as a deeply personal loss, reflecting on his close ties with several of the victims.
“This tragedy represents personal loss for me. I shared a bond with many of those who died. Our nation is grieving,” the president said.
He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and assured them of the full support of the state during this difficult time.
“I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones,” he said.
President Mahama called for national unity and compassion in the face of the tragedy.
“In this moment of national grief, let us remember that we are, above all, Ghanaians – united not just by nationality but by shared hope, shared humanity, and now, shared sorrow. 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 fails. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.”
The government has since declared a three-day national mourning period from Thursday, August 7 to Saturday, August 9.
Memorial events, including a public laying of flowers and an Evening of Reflections, have been scheduled to honour the departed.
President Mahama urged all Ghanaians to join in mourning and remembrance, calling for unity in the face of shared grief.