President John Mahama led Ghanaians into what he called “a moment of shared heartbreak” on Thursday night as the country mourns the eight lives lost in Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District.

In a solemn address with visible grief and a heavy voice, he described the crash as a national catastrophe that has robbed Ghana of some of its brightest minds—men who were serving their country with distinction.

The President paid personal tribute to each of the deceased, five of whom were high-profile public servants and three members of the Ghana Air Force.

“This tragedy represents a deep personal loss for me,” the President said.

“We have lost dedicated public servants, intellectuals, and individuals who relentlessly worked for a better Ghana. That their final moments were spent in service is a testament to their unwavering commitment.”

The eight victims were:

• Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
• Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment and MP for Tamale Central
• Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
• Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO
• Squadron Leader Peter Anala
• Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu
• Sergeant Ernest Addo

In honour of the deceased, President Mahama announced a national Evening of Reflection and Memorial to be held at 5:00 pm on Saturday, August 9, at the forecourt of the State House.

He said the event would offer citizens a moment to gather, remember, and reflect on the lives and service of the fallen.

Books of condolence will also be opened at several state and party institutions starting Sunday, August 10. A state funeral is scheduled for Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square.

President Mahama used the address not just to mourn but to urge unity: “Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families.

"This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, empathy, and the enduring Ghanaian spirit.”

He assured the nation that a full and transparent investigation had begun.

“The Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a Board of Inquiry. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved,” he confirmed.

Concluding with a prayer, President Mahama called on the country to let their grief give rise to unity and healing.

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

As Ghana enters this period of mourning, the Evening of Reflection is expected to serve not only as a tribute but as a moment of national reckoning, where sorrow meets solidarity.