Gov't announces week-long national tribute to 'Departed 8' of helicopter crash

The government has announced a series of national activities to commemorate the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight senior public officials and military personnel. In a statement issued by the Presidency, the government said the commemorative events will begin on Thursday, July 30, and are intended to honour the memory, service and sacrifice of what it described 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 events have been planned in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders, and alumni groups in solidarity with the bereaved families. The programme begins on Thursday, July 30, with the official presentation of the State's support to the families of the deceased, as stated in a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson. On Tuesday, August 4, the Ministry of Defence and the Pope John Senior High School Old Boys Association (POJOBA) will organise the Dr Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture at Burma Hall in Burma Camp, Accra, beginning at 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, starting at 8:30 a.m. President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang are expected to attend.