Government announces activities to mark first anniversary of August 6 helicopter crash

The government announced a series of national commemorative activities to mark the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight senior public officials and military personnel. According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the activities are aimed at honouring the memory, service and sacrifice of the eight victims, collectively referred to as the "Departed 8." The Presidency said the anniversary provides an opportunity for the nation to "pause to remember, honour, and pay tribute to the selflessness, service, and sacrifice of the 'Departed 8'."

The commemorative programme has been organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders and alumni groups in solidarity with the bereaved families. Activities began on Thursday, July 30, with the presentation of the State's support to the families of the deceased. The statement was signed by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu. As part of the programme, the Ministry of Defence, in partnership with the Pope John Senior High School Old Boys Association (POJOBA), will host the Dr Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture on Tuesday, August 4, at Burma Hall in Burma Camp, Accra, from 2:00 p.m. The main national commemoration will take place on Thursday, August 6, with an interfaith memorial service at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. This service will be attended by 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.