Ghana came together last Saturday evening for an emotional Evening of Reflection in honour of the eight individuals who perished in the recent military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom.
The solemn gathering brought together political leaders, the diplomatic community, security chiefs, bereaved families, and citizens to celebrate the lives and service of the fallen.
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang said the tragedy had left a deep wound in the hearts of many and was not a moment for easy words.
“This is not a time for perfect words, nor a time for the right thoughts, because there are none,” she said. “Those experiences we shared with our departed colleagues have now crystallized into memories those that we now hold, and those that we can latch on to.”
She described the deceased as individuals who had “served their nation and humanity well,” adding that their passing had stirred emotions ranging from “bewilderment, confusion, anger, sadness, denial, and grief” to a possible “acceptance at some point.”
She noted that the tragedy had also left the nation with abiding questions: “Why is this happening? Why did this happen? Why now? Why them? What should we do? What should we know?”
President John Dramani Mahama, addressing the gathering, said the helicopter crash had “shattered us to the core” and plunged Ghana into deep mourning.
“We gather tonight under a cloud of shared grief, our hearts heavy with the profound sorrow that has gripped our nation,” he said. “I wish to extend the sincerest condolences of our nation to the bereaved families, the spouses and children who have lost pillars in their lives, the parents and siblings grappling with unimaginable pain.”
The President revealed that the tragedy was personal to him noting “I am not addressing you today solely in my capacity as President. Some of them were like close family, like brothers. And so I feel their loss quite deeply,” he said. “Only a few days ago, they were vibrant lives, each dedicated to a singular cause the betterment of our country.”
President Mahama paid tribute to each of the eight victims: Flight Officer Twum Ampadu, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensa, Samuel Aboagye, Samuel Sarpong, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohamed, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohamed, and Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah.
He praised their “unwavering passion and commitment to Ghana right up until they took their final breaths.”
The evening combined music, prayers, and personal testimonies, with speakers from across political, military, and civic life recalling the dedication, professionalism, and humanity of the deceased.
“We have a nation in mourning,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang said. “But we also have a nation that must remember and honour them.”
The event formed part of a series of commemorations ahead of the state funeral scheduled for August 15, 2025.
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