President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to draw strength from the memories of the eight people who perished in last week’s military helicopter crash, describing them as a “guiding light” in the country’s moment of sorrow.

Speaking at the Evening of Reflections and Memorial for the victims, President Mahama called on the nation to rise above despair and take inspiration from the legacy of the departed.

“I pray that the cherished memories of these, our loved ones, will serve as a guiding light,” he said. “Illuminating a path through the darkness and devastation of this national tragedy.”

The visibly moved President noted that his address was not only in his capacity as Head of State but also as someone personally mourning the loss.

“Each of the eight persons in that helicopter was either a friend, a cherished colleague, or a valued citizen of this country that I lead,” he said.

He described the victims—who included government ministers, senior officials and military crew—as individuals whose influence reached far beyond their official roles. Their passing, he stressed, was not merely an institutional loss but a deeply personal and national one.

Those who died in the crash included Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed; former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East, Samuel Aboagye; and Vice Chairman of the NDC and former Kumasi Mayor, Samuel Sarpong.

The aircrew who also lost their lives were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

President Mahama’s tribute comes as the nation continues to mourn, while announcing the burial of the two Muslims – Dr. Murtula Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, the president hinted that funeral arrangements for the six are expected to be announced in the coming days after consultations with the families.

Source: TheDotNews