The Government has unveiled an extensive programme of national activities to commemorate the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash, a tragedy that claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians and sent shockwaves across the nation. The week-long observance announced in a statement dated Thursday July 30, begins on Thursday, July 30, and culminates on Saturday, August 7. It is expected to bring together the country’s political leadership, the military, religious bodies, civil society organisations, educational institutions and the general public in a series of remembrance events aimed at honouring the service, sacrifice and legacy of the victims.
Announcing the programme, the Government said the commemorative activities are intended not only to remember those who lost their lives in the line of national service but also to demonstrate continued solidarity with their bereaved families while inspiring a renewed spirit of patriotism and selfless service among Ghanaians. The observance officially commenced on Thursday July 30 with the presentation of the State’s support package to the families of the eight deceased, described by the Government as the “Departed 8.”
The programme will continue on Tuesday, August 4, with the Dr Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture at Burma Hall in Burma Camp, Accra, beginning at 2:00 p.m. under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Pope John Senior High School Old Boys Association (POJOBA). The public lecture is expected to reflect on the life, service and enduring contributions of the late Defence Minister while examining broader issues of leadership, patriotism and national service.
The centrepiece of the commemoration will take place on Thursday, August 6, the exact day marking one year since the fatal crash—with a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra. The solemn gathering will feature prayers, worship and moments of reflection in memory of the eight deceased and will be attended by President John Dramani Mahama in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces. Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who also chairs the Armed Forces Council, is also expected to participate alongside senior military officers, government officials, religious leaders, relatives of the victims and members of the public.
Later that afternoon, the Ministry of Defence will officially unveil a memorial cenotaph dedicated to the memory of the fallen. The ceremony, scheduled for 4:00 p.m., will be attended by invited guests and is expected to establish a permanent national monument in honour of those who died in service to the country.
The commemorative activities will conclude on Saturday, August 7, with a nationwide humanitarian initiative dubbed “Service to the Soul”, a blood donation campaign designed to transform remembrance into an act of saving lives. The exercise will be conducted simultaneously at all district, regional and teaching hospitals across the country, as well as the 37 Military Hospital and other designated centres. Government said the initiative seeks to replenish the nation’s blood banks while encouraging citizens to pay tribute to the deceased through an act capable of giving others a second chance at life.
It has therefore appealed to Ghanaians from all walks of life to participate by donating blood at the nearest health facility, describing the exercise as “an appropriate and life-saving way” to honour the memory of the departed. Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, the Government acknowledged that the loss of the eight prominent personalities remains one of the most painful chapters in Ghana’s recent history. It, however, stressed that their commitment to duty, patriotism and selfless service continues to inspire the nation and should serve as a lasting example for future generations.
Beyond mourning, the commemorative programme is intended to reiterate the nation’s gratitude to those who dedicate their lives to public service while strengthening national unity through remembrance, prayer and collective responsibility. Government urged citizens to join the scheduled activities in honour of the “Departed 8,” expressing hope that their memory will continue to inspire Ghana’s pursuit of service, sacrifice and national cohesion. The statement concluded with a prayer for the eternal repose of the victims, expressing the nation’s hope that the souls of the “Departed 8” will continue to rest in perfect peace.
By: Joyce Owusu
