Memories of the eight people who died in the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash were rekindled in Accra yesterday as the nation marked the first anniversary of their passing.
At a solemn National Interfaith Memorial Service, families, friends and former colleagues of the “Departed 8” gathered to honour their lives, reflect on their contributions and celebrate the legacies they left behind.
Held on the theme “Lives of Service, Legacies of Sacrifice,” the service featured Bible readings, Quranic recitations, hymns and emotional reflections from relatives of the deceased.
The ceremony was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Dr Julius Debrah, General Secretary of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Fifi Kwetey, ministers of state, Members of Parliament, heads of security agencies, members of the clergy, traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic community and the general public.
In a national memorial address, President Mahama said honouring the eight was a duty of a nation grateful for their sacrifices and service.
“A country that forgets those who served it slowly forgets the values on which it is built. Memory, therefore, is not simply about looking backwards. It is an act of national character and value,” he said.
He added that remembering them affirmed that sacrifice mattered, service was honourable and lives dedicated to the nation would never be forgotten.
President Mahama said he had often reflected on the sacrifices made by men and women in public service, many of whom spent long periods away from their families and worked under difficult conditions without recognition.
He urged Ghanaians to appreciate those who dedicated their lives to national development, saying their commitment should inspire a stronger sense of responsibility towards public service.
“Today we must resolve to appreciate public service even as it is performed daily. To appreciate those who labour faithfully, often without recognition, because they believe in something that is greater than themselves,” he said.
Addressing the families of the deceased, the President assured them of the nation’s continued support, while acknowledging that no amount of sympathy could completely fill the void created by their loss.
In an emotional reflection, the wife of the late Samuel Aboagye said the greatest tribute Ghana could pay to the departed would be to end illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The eight were travelling to Obuasi to launch a campaign against illegal mining when the Z-9 helicopter they were travelling in crashed.
“The waters are still being poisoned. The lands are still being degraded and the forests are still being destroyed,” she said.
Delivering a Christian sermon, the Director-General of Religious Affairs at the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier-General Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode, said the lives and sacrifices of the deceased should serve as inspiration to others.
“We may die but must continue to speak with our testimonials, for greatness is in service. They have lived enduring legacies that we should emulate,” he said.
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, in a message delivered on his behalf by Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, said every human being was destined to die, but leaving behind a positive legacy should be a deliberate effort.
The victims of the crash were Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Dr Alhaji Murtala Ibrahim Mohammed, Minister of Environment; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the NDC; Alhaji Limuna Muniru; Mr Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
TETSI & AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
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