Government holds national inter-faith memorial service to mark one year since August 6 helicopter crash

The Government of Ghana is holding a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service to commemorate the first anniversary of the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent public officials and security personnel on August 6, 2025.

The memorial, taking place on Thursday, August 6, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, bereaved families and other dignitaries to honour the memory of the victims and celebrate their service to the nation.

The ceremony is intended to pay tribute to the lives, sacrifices and contributions of the eight individuals who died while undertaking official duties in service to Ghana.

The victims perished when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region.

Those who lost their lives were Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong; and former National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.

Also killed in the crash were three members of the Ghana Armed Forces crew—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

During the inter-faith service, religious leaders are expected to offer prayers for the departed, comfort their families and call on Ghanaians to uphold the values of dedication, patriotism and selfless service exemplified by the deceased.

The memorial marks one year since one of Ghana's deadliest aviation tragedies in recent history and provides an opportunity for the nation to reflect on the enduring legacy of the eight individuals whose contributions to national development continue to be remembered.