President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio has arrived in Ghana to commiserate with President Mahama and Ghanaians over the loss of the eight gallant men who were killed in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
President Maada Bio who is also Chair of the ECOWAS Commission visited the Ceremonial Gardens at the Jubilee House on Friday, August 8, 2025 to lay wreath in honour of the victims.
He is also expected to sign a book of condolence on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission and Sierra Leone.
In a Facebook post on August 6, 2025 after news of the fatal crash broke out, Julius Maada Bio in a Facebook post expressed deep sorrow following the tragic helicopter crash.
President Bio extended his sympathies to President John Dramani Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana, describing the incident as a profound national tragedy.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic helicopter crash in Ghana that has taken the lives of the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Environment, and the entire crew. My heartfelt condolences go out to His Excellency President Mahama, and the people of Ghana during this incredibly difficult time,” President Bio stated in a Facebook post few hours after the accident on Wednesday, August 6.
He assured Ghanaians of Sierra Leone’s unwavering solidarity during this period of mourning.
“Please know that the people of Sierra Leone stand in solidarity with you as you mourn this profound loss. We are with you in your grief,” he added.
The crash occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region, while the officials were on their way to a national event.
Those killed in the crash included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
The others were Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong; and Mr. Samuel Aboagye, National Vice Chairman of the ruling NDC.
The three military officers who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The government has announced a three-day national mourning period for the victims. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Ceremonial Gardens at the Presidency on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
A vigil is expected to be held in their honour, culminating in a memorial event on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
Meanwhile, samples of the remains of the eight victims have been flown to South Africa for DNA analysis to help identify each of the bodies for a befitting burial. A government delegation accompanied the samples, which were flown out on Thursday, August 7, 2025, for testing.
