Government officials, families of the eight persons who died in the August 6 helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom gathered at the forecourt of the State House for a vigil in honour of the departed souls.
This was announced by President John Mahama on August 7 following the demise of the passengers and crew aboard Airforce helicopter Z9.
“On Saturday, 9th August at 5pm, the nation will gather at the forecourt of the State House for an evening of reflection and memorial in honor of our departed colleagues,”he said.
“Books of condolences will be opened simultaneously at the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, and the National Democratic Congress Headquarters, and
The President further disclosed that an interdenominational state funeral will be held on August 15, 2025.
“From Sunday, 10th August to Thursday, 14th August. On Friday, 15th August, an interdenominational state funeral will be held for the eight heroes at the Black Star Square,” he said.
President Mahama confirmed that “The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have both been retrieved. All eight of the bodies of our departed comrades have been retrieved, and the government is in close touch with the bereaved families about identification of the bodies and final interment.
He urged all to “remember that we are above all Ghanaians, united not just by our nationality but by our shared hope, our shared humanity, and now our 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 has failed.”
“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,” he added.
“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 their legacy,” President Mahama prayed.
