Mahama urges recognition of public servants’ sacrifices as Ghana marks one year since helicopter crash

One year after the tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of eight Ghanaian servicemen, President John Dramani Mahama addressed the nation at a memorial service held on August 6, 2025. The eight individuals - Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane-Boamah, Agriculture Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six others including three crew members of the Ghana Air Force - were on their way to the Ashanti Region to combat illegal mining when the accident occurred.

Mahama described the incident as a stark reminder of life's fragility and the sacred nature of service to the nation, emphasizing that the loss should inspire Ghanaians to uphold the values of sacrifice, service and unity that defined the lives of the deceased. He acknowledged the deep pain suffered by families and colleagues of the victims, but emphasized that the memorial service was also an opportunity to celebrate the lives and dedication of those who gave their all for Ghana.

Mahama stressed that the values embodied by the eight - service, sacrifice, compassion and unity - must be preserved, as forgetting them risks forgetting the very principles upon which the nation was built. Despite their diverse backgrounds, the eight servicemen shared a common purpose - to serve God and country. Mahama noted that public servants often work under challenging conditions, away from their families, and make crucial decisions under pressure, sacrifices that frequently go unrecognized.

He urged Ghanaians to honor the memory of the deceased by continuing to embody the values that characterized their lives, ensuring that their legacy remains a guiding light for the nation.