Ghana Mourns Deeply: State Funeral Held for 8 Fallen Heroes of Helicopter Crash
Helicopter crash victims – August 15, 2025: Ghana united in grief yesterday as the nation bid a final farewell to eight (8) fallen heroes who tragically lost their lives in the Adansi Akrofuom military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The solemn state funeral was held at the Black Star Square in Accra, where thousands gathered to honour the memory, service, and sacrifice of the deceased.
National Grief Over Adansi Akrofuom Helicopter Crash
The helicopter crash, which shocked the nation, occurred while the officials were en route to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP). The incident claimed the lives of key government leaders, security officials, and military crew members, plunging the country into mourning.
Among the victims were:
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, senior government official
Dr Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Samuel Aboagye, National Vice Chairman of the NDC and former parliamentary candidate
In addition to these prominent personalities, three gallant crew members of the Ghana Armed Forces also perished:
Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah
Their passing was not only a blow to their families and political affiliations but also to the entire nation, which recognised their dedication to public service and national development.
State Funeral at Black Star Square
Helicopter crash victims – The state funeral, organised with full military honours, was attended by government officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and ordinary citizens who poured into Black Star Square to pay their respects.
The event was carefully planned in three stages, beginning with Bible and Qur’an recitals to reflect the diverse faiths of the victims. This was followed by the main service, where tributes were delivered by widows, children, colleagues, and government representatives. The ceremony concluded with the burial rites.
The pre-burial programme ran from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The Vice President arrived at 8:50 a.m., followed shortly after by President John Dramani Mahama at 9:00 a.m., officially marking the commencement of the service.
Road Closures and Security Measures
Given the magnitude of the event, security was heightened across Accra. Several roads leading to Black Star Square and the Military Cemetery were closed, while diversions were created to manage the heavy traffic. Citizens were urged to cooperate with security personnel to ensure the smooth running of the funeral activities.
These measures allowed thousands of mourners to participate peacefully in the ceremony without incident.
Tributes to the Fallen Heroes
One of the most emotional moments of the funeral was the reading of the biographies of all eight victims. Their life stories, marked by resilience, patriotism, and service, moved the audience to tears.
Family members and loved ones spoke with deep emotion. Widows and children of the deceased gave heartfelt tributes, while colleagues described them as patriots who dedicated their lives to Ghana’s progress.
Government officials, religious leaders, and representatives of various institutions also delivered messages of condolence, emphasising the impact each of the fallen heroes had on national development and peace.
Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu was promoted to Flight Lieutenant
Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah was elevated to Flight Sergeant
Posthumous Promotions Announced by President Mahama
During the final funeral rites, President John Dramani Mahama delivered a powerful tribute that drew prolonged applause and tears from mourners. In recognition of their courage, sacrifice, and service to the nation, he announced the posthumous promotion of the Ghana Armed Forces crew members who perished in the crash.
Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala was posthumously promoted to Wing Commander
Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu was promoted to Flight Lieutenant
Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah was elevated to Flight Sergeant
The President stressed that the promotions were not symbolic but a national acknowledgment of their “eternal service and enduring legacy.” He assured their families that the state would continue to support them and honour the memory of the fallen servicemen.
Families and Military Officials React
The announcement of the promotions sparked visible emotion among family members seated at the front rows. The widow of Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala wept uncontrollably as she was consoled by her children, expressing gratitude that her husband’s lifelong dedication to the Air Force had been recognised at the highest level.
The family of Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu also responded with tears and pride, with his father stating that, “Though we are heartbroken, this honour assures us that Manaen did not die in vain. Ghana has seen his sacrifice.”
For Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah, his colleagues in the Air Force formed a guard of honour, saluting his coffin with solemn precision. The Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, praised the President’s decision, noting that the promotions would serve as a lasting reminder of the bravery of the fallen officers and an inspiration to all serving personnel.
Many in attendance agreed that the gesture by President Mahama was more than ceremonial, it was a moral duty fulfilled. The applause that followed was both an expression of national gratitude and a shared sense of pride.
Burial of the Helicopter Crash Victims
Following the three-hour service, the remains of six of the victims were transported to the Military Cemetery at Tse Addo, where interment took place. The burial rites were conducted jointly by the Ghana Armed Forces and the respective churches of the deceased, ensuring that both military protocol and religious traditions were respected.
Two of the victims, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, had already been laid to rest on Sunday, August 10, in an Islamic state burial at Burma Camp in Accra.
National Unity in Mourning
Helicopter crash victims – The state funeral did more than honour the fallen; it served as a unifying moment for the country. Citizens across political divides came together in solidarity, proving that grief has the power to bring a nation closer.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, cautioned against the politicisation of presidential jet and military helicopter purchases, urging leaders to place national security above political interests. His remarks resonated with many, as the tragedy highlighted the importance of safe and well-equipped aviation for government and security operations.
A Lasting Legacy
Helicopter crash victims – While Ghana continues to mourn, the lives of these eight heroes will remain a symbol of service, sacrifice, and dedication to the country. Their passing has left an irreplaceable void, but their contributions to Ghana’s growth and development will be remembered for generations to come.
The posthumous promotions, coupled with the nationwide outpouring of grief, ensure that their memory will live on not only in the hearts of their families but also in the annals of Ghana’s history.
Closing the ceremony, President Mahama’s words echoed across Black Star Square:
“These men and women gave their lives in service to our beloved Ghana. Though they have left us, their legacy will not die. Ghana will forever remember them as heroes who stood tall in duty, and who fell with honour.”
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