Ghana's government will hold a week-long national tribute for the eight senior public officials and military personnel who died in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. The commemorative events will begin on Thursday, July 30, and conclude on Saturday, August 7, 2026. This initiative aims to honour the memory, service, and sacrifice of the "Departed 8."
The Presidency stated that the anniversary provides a crucial opportunity for the nation to remember and pay tribute. These events have been planned in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders, and alumni groups. They seek to show solidarity with the bereaved families.
This national remembrance highlights the significant impact of the 2025 tragedy on Ghana's public service and military. The loss of eight prominent figures underscores the risks associated with high-level public duties. It also reflects the nation's commitment to honouring those who serve. The government's coordinated response demonstrates a unified approach to national mourning and remembrance.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, signed the statement announcing the tribute. He confirmed that the State will officially present support to the families of the deceased on Thursday, July 30. This initial step underscores the government's commitment to the victims' families.
The week's activities include several key events. On Tuesday, August 4, the Ministry of Defence and the Pope John Senior High School Old Boys Association (POJOBA) will organise the Dr Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture. This event will take place at Burma Hall in Burma Camp, Accra, starting at 2:00 p.m. It will be open to the public.
The main national commemoration will occur on Thursday, August 6, with an interfaith memorial service. This service will be held at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, beginning at 8:30 a.m. President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Chair of the Armed Forces Council, are expected to attend. Other government officials, security service members, and victims' families will also be present.
Later that day, at 4:00 p.m., the Ministry of Defence will unveil a memorial cenotaph in honour of the deceased. This ceremony will be by invitation only. The commemorative activities will conclude on Saturday, August 7, with a nationwide blood donation exercise. This campaign, dubbed “Service to the Soul,” will take place at district, regional, and teaching hospitals across the country. It will also be held at the 37 Military Hospital and other designated centres. The government stated that this initiative aims to replenish blood banks and save lives in memory of the eight victims.
The Presidency described the crash as "a deeply painful chapter in our nation’s history." It urged all Ghanaians to participate in the “Service to the Soul” Nationwide Blood Donation Drive. This act of service provides a life-saving way to pay tribute to the fallen heroes. The government also called on Ghanaians to unite in prayer, patriotism, and support for the bereaved families. This ensures that the memory of the victims continues to inspire future generations.