State funeral for helicopter crash victims to be held on Aug. 15 at Black Star Square

Here’s a clearer and more detailed version based on verified information:

Background of the Tragedy

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while on a mission en route to Obuasi. All eight people on board were tragically killed. Among them were:

• Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah

• Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed

• Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed

• NDC National Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong

• Former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye

• Three Ghana Air Force crew: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah 

Government Response & Mourning

President John Dramani Mahama immediately suspended all official duties and declared three days of national mourning, with flags at half-staff across the country  .

On Thursday, August 7, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Ceremonial Gardens of Jubilee House, attended by President Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, members of the Council of State, families of the deceased, and security officials  .

Simultaneously, an Evening of Reflection and Memorial was scheduled for Saturday, August 9, at the forecourt of State House. Books of condolence would be open from Sunday, August 10 to Thursday, August 14, at multiple venues including the Ministries of Defence and Environment, Ghana Armed Forces HQ, NDC Headquarters, NADMO HQ, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  .

State Funeral Announcement

In a heartfelt national address, President Mahama announced that a full inter-denominational state funeral for the eight fallen heroes will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Black Star Square in Accra  .

President Mahama echoed the nation’s grief:

“These gallant men each served Ghana with distinction. That their final moments were spent in service is a testament to their unwavering commitment.”

“All eight of the bodies of our departed comrades have been retrieved… the government is in close touch with the bereaved families about identification of the bodies and final interment.” 

Investigation & Interim Leadership

The Ghana Armed Forces have initiated a full and transparent investigation, forming an Investigative Board of Inquiry. Both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered  .

In the interim, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson was appointed acting Defence Minister to ensure continuity in leadership  .

Highlights of the Memorial Timeline

Date	Event
Aug 6, 2025	Helicopter crash in Ashanti; all eight on board perish.
Aug 7–9	National mourning; wreath-laying, Evening of Reflection.
Aug 10–14	Books of condolence open at multiple venues.
Aug 15, 2025	Inter-denominational state funeral at Black Star Square.

Closing Thoughts

President Mahama made a significant appeal to the nation in his address:

“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…” 

The upcoming August 15 state funeral at Black Star Square will be the nation’s culminating moment of respect and unity, ensuring that these individuals—who served Ghana faithfully until their last moments—are honored with the dignity, solemnity, and reverence they deserve.