At a Thanksgiving Mass held at Christ the King Parish in Accra on Sunday, August 17, family members of the late Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala were called forward to receive blessings in honour of their loved ones, offering a moment of solace amid national grief.

On August 6, 2025, a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) transporting eight government officials and military personnel crashed into a forested area in the Adansi Akrofuom District of Ashanti Region while en route from Accra to Obuasi.

The passengers, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Mohammed Muniru, NDC Vice-Chairman Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, pilot Peter Bafemi Anala, co-pilot Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and flight engineer Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, all perished in the crash.

Following solemn service at Christ the King Parish, where children and spouses delivered emotional tributes, a state funeral was held at Black Star Square on August 15, 2025.

At the state funeral, President Mahama announced the establishment of a Children’s Support Fund aimed at ensuring the long-term welfare of the bereaved children. The fund will cover:

• Education from primary to tertiary or technical training
• Healthcare, including medical insurance and specialised care
• Welfare provisions such as clothing, shelter, and living expenses

Stanbic Bank Ghana inaugurated the fund with an initial seed contribution of GH₵500,000. The President pledged an immediate government seed contribution and promised the publication of a detailed operational framework within 30 days, including transparency measures like annual public reporting.

In a further tribute to the military personnel who perished, President Mahama announced posthumous promotions:

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala elevated to Wing Commander
• Flying Officer Twum Ampadu elevated to Flight Lieutenant
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah elevated to Flight Sergeant