Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang delivered an emotional tribute to the eight Ghanaians who perished in the August 6 military helicopter crash.

This took place at the forecourt of the State House on Friday, August 15.

Speaking at the state burial, the Vice President painted a picture of what should have been, days filled with work, planning, and progress toward the national agenda, instead of a nation gathered in grief.

She recalled the victims’ determination to serve Ghana with focus and resolve, and their constant readiness to report on progress, share challenges, and amend strategies when necessary.

In a particularly heartfelt moment, she addressed the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, with whom she shared an “outstanding meeting” of the Ghana Armed Forces Council.

She reminisced about their mutual pledge to clear agenda items efficiently and to work closely for the good of the country, only to have those plans cut short by tragedy.

Acknowledging the painful reality that “man proposes, God disposes,” the Vice President thanked the fallen for their examples of selflessness, loyalty, justice, and hard work.

She expressed her hope that the nation would draw strength from their legacy and channel it into building a better Ghana.

“As we reset our country,” she said, “you are always with us… Rest in peace.”

The tribute, delivered under the banner of the three-day national mourning period, was a reminder that beyond the loss of public servants, Ghana has lost colleagues, mentors, and friends whose absence will be felt for years to come.