President John Mahama has announced that a state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square in Accra to honour the eight individuals who perished in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

In an address to the nation at the Jubilee House, President Mahama said the country would also hold an Evening of Reflection and Memorial at the forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9, at 5 p.m.

“These fallen heroes gave their lives in service to the nation. We must honor their legacy with the dignity and respect they deserve,” the president stated.

He revealed that the Books of condolence will be opened at multiple locations from Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14.

These include the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO.

The eight victims — including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, among six others were on an official assignment when their Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crashed near Adansi Akrofuom.