President John Mahama says the eight victims of Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash may be gone from sight, but they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served.

In a national address Thursday night, the President spoke with visible emotion as he led the country in mourning the loss of what he called “some of our nation’s brightest minds”—eight men who died in the line of duty when their aircraft went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

“This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me,” the President said. “I shared close bonds with many of these individuals who died.”

The deceased include two cabinet ministers—Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Murtala Mohammed, who also served as MP for Tamale Central—as well as other high-ranking state and party officials: Alhaji Muniru Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman; and Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO. Also among the dead were Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

“These eight individuals dedicated their lives to Ghana’s progress,” the President said. “That their final moments were spent in service is a testament to their unwavering commitment.”

He described each victim in personal terms: “Squadron Leader Anala, Flying Officer Ampadu, and Sergeant Addo were dedicated members of our Air Force. Alhaji Muniru Limuna was a humble yet effective public servant. Samuel Sarpong was a respected statesman. Samuel Aboagye was a promising leader. Dr. Omane Boamah was a brilliant and dedicated leader. Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed was a passionate voice for his constituents.”

As grief gripped the nation, the President announced that the Ghana Armed Forces has begun a full and transparent investigation into the crash.

“The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved,” he confirmed. “An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up.”

With the bodies of all eight victims recovered, Mahama assured the families of the government’s support through identification and funeral arrangements.

He declared a series of national memorials in honour of the fallen, including an Evening of Reflection and Memorial on Saturday, August 9, and a state funeral at Black Star Square on Friday, August 15.

Books of condolence will be opened at key ministries and party offices from Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14.

Calling for national unity in grief, Mahama urged Ghanaians to set aside division and speculation and instead show empathy and resilience. “Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.”

He closed with a solemn reminder:

“Though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served.”