President John Dramani Mahama has suspended all official duties for the remainder of the week in response to the tragic military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, which claimed eight lives.
Among the victims were two prominent Cabinet Ministers — Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who also represented Tamale Central in Parliament.
Other lives lost in the crash include Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, NDC National Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three Ghana Air Force personnel: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
A statement released by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the President’s decision and announced a three-day national mourning period beginning Thursday, August 7.
“In view of Wednesday’s tragic helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, President Mahama has suspended all public engagements and activities for the rest of the week,” the statement read.
As part of the national mourning, the government has directed all flags to be flown at half-mast across the country.
The helicopter, which was on an official assignment to Obuasi, lost communication before crashing in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
