Gov’t announces programme to commemorate first anniversary of helicopter disaster
The Government has announced a series of national activities to commemorate the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 helicopter disaster that claimed the lives of eight distinguished national figures.
The programme, outlined in a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, is intended to honour the memory, service and sacrifice of the victims, collectively referred to as the “Departed 8.”
According to the statement, the commemorative activities began on Thursday, July 30, with the official presentation of the State’s support to the bereaved families.
The Government said the anniversary provides an opportunity for the nation to pause and remember the eight individuals whose lives were lost in the tragic helicopter crash.
“As a nation, we must pause to remember, honour, and pay tribute to the selflessness, service, and sacrifice of the ‘Departed 8’,” the statement said.
Government noted that the activities had been planned in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders and alumni groups, and called on the general public, civil society organisations, religious bodies, media houses and well-wishers to participate in the observance.
As part of the programme, a memorial lecture in honour of the late Dr Edward Omane Boamah will be held on Tuesday, August 4, at Burma Hall, Burma Camp, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The lecture is being organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Pope John Senior High School Old Boys Association (POJOBA) and is open to members of the public.
The commemorative activities will continue on Thursday, August 6, with a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra.
The service, scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m., will bring together national leaders, families of the deceased and members of the public in prayer and remembrance.
President John Dramani Mahama, who is Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who chairs the Armed Forces Council, are expected to attend the memorial service.
Later that day, the Ministry of Defence will unveil a memorial cenotaph in honour of the victims during an official ceremony. Attendance at the unveiling will be by invitation.
The week-long commemoration will conclude on Saturday, August 7, with the “Service to the Soul” Nationwide Blood Donation Drive.
The humanitarian exercise aims to replenish blood banks across the country while honouring the memory of the eight individuals who lost their lives.
The campaign will be held at all district, regional and teaching hospitals, the 37 Military Hospital and other designated centres nationwide.
Describing the helicopter crash as one of the nation’s most painful tragedies, Government said the dedication and patriotism demonstrated by the victims should continue to inspire Ghanaians.
“The loss of these eight noble individuals remains a deeply painful chapter in our nation’s history. However, their spirit of dedication to duty must continue to inspire us as a people,” the statement said.
Government further appealed to citizens to participate in the nationwide blood donation exercise by visiting the nearest health facility to donate blood, describing the initiative as “an appropriate and life-saving way to pay tribute to our fallen heroes.”
The statement concluded with a call for national unity and support for the bereaved families as Ghanaians join together in remembrance of the victims.
“Let us come together in unity, through prayer and with patriotic devotion, as we offer support to the families left behind and keep the memory of the deceased alive,” it said.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
