'This is not a time for division, speculation or political point-scoring' – President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called for a collective effort in mourning the eight victims who died in a helicopter crash while on a national assignment.

According to the President, Ghanaians must exhibit a sense of togetherness and bid a fitting farewell to the deceased rather than engage in speculation or political point-scoring.

Addressing the nation on August 7, 2025, he stated, "As we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important. I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.

Watch the emotional moment Omane Boamah's mother was escorted from her residence to Accra

An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to determine the cause of the crash. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved. All eight bodies of our departed comrades have been recovered, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families regarding the identification of the bodies and their final interment.”

He further called for a united front in grieving the loss, “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.

Watch as President Mahama lays flowers for Omane Boamah, Murtala and 6 other helicopter crash victims

“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.

“To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the Ministries and Departments that have lost dedicated staff and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and legacy.

“May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served.”

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President Mahama announced that a national memorial will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

The crash of the Z-9 helicopter, which belonged to the Ghana Armed Forces, claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

Other victims included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna; former Central Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong and Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.

Members of the helicopter’s crew who also perished in the crash were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

AM/SEA

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