President John Dramani Mahama has assured the families of the eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on August 6, that the nation continues to share in their grief, saying their loved ones remain part of Ghana’s collective memory and will never be forgotten.

President Mahama has expressed solidarity with the bereaved families of the eight fallen Ghanaian heroes, acknowledging their pain and assuring them that the entire nation continues to mourn with them.

Speaking at the National Inter-Faith Memorial Service held in honour of the departed eight on August 6, President Mahama said the loss of their loved ones remains a painful moment for both the families and the country.

He said no words, ceremonies or anniversaries could completely remove the pain of losing a cherished family member.

"I know that no speech can erase your pain. No anniversary can fill that empty seat at your dining table. And no ceremonies can replace the voices that you long to hear or the embraces that you still miss," he said.

The President recognised the courage and dignity with which the families have carried their grief over the past year, saying their strength has been a source of inspiration to the nation.

He said although death brings deep sorrow, the love shared with those who have passed continues through memories, faith and the lives they have influenced.

"In doing so, you have reminded all of us that love does not end with death. It endures in memory, in faith, and in the lives we choose to live thereafter," President Mahama said.

He assured the families that they have not faced their loss alone, stressing that the sacrifices of their loved ones belong to the entire nation.

"Please rest assured that the nation still mourns with you. Your loved ones did not die alone. They belong to all of Ghana, and Ghana will continue to remember them," he said.

President Mahama said the eight departed individuals represented dedication, patriotism and commitment to national duty, adding that their contributions will remain part of Ghana’s history.

He also commended Ghanaians from all walks of life who supported the families through prayers, encouragement and acts of kindness following the tragedy.

According to him, the support demonstrated the unity and compassion of Ghanaians beyond political, ethnic and religious differences.

He urged the country to continue honouring the memory of the departed eight by upholding the values they represented — service, sacrifice, humility and commitment to the nation.

The August 6, 2025 helicopter crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane-Boamah, Agriculture Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and six others, including three Ghana Air Force crew members, while they were travelling to the Ashanti Region in connection with the fight against illegal mining.