By Ghana News 
The government has formally announced a full week of national memorial activities to mark the one year anniversary of the August 6 2025 military helicopter crash.
A press statement issued on July 30 2026 by government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that the country will pause to pay tribute to the eight national patriots who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The tragedy occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom district of the Ashanti Region when a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z9 helicopter crashed during an anti illegal mining mission. The disaster claimed the lives of key state figures including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed alongside senior military officers and government officials.
The government is organizing the solemn commemorative events in close partnership with the Ministry of Defence, alumni groups, and the families of the deceased. Activities will include special memorial services, wreath laying ceremonies, and public lectures honoring the selfless dedication of the fallen citizens.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the anniversary offers all Ghanaians a unified moment to reflect on national service, sacrifice, and patriotism. The weeklong activities aim to offer comfort to the bereaved families while preserving the lasting legacy of the eight heroes.
Mr Ofosu urged the general public, civil society organisations, religious bodies, media houses, and well-wishers to participate in the scheduled activities outlined below:
- Thursday, 30 July 2026: Official presentation of the State’s support to the families of the ‘Departed 8’.
- Tuesday, 4 August 2026: Dr Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture. The lecture will be held at the Burma Hall, Burma Camp, Accra, starting at 2.00 PM and is being organised by the Ministry of Defence and the old students of Pope John SHS (POJOBA). The general public is accordingly invited.
- Thursday, 6 August 2026: National Inter-Faith Memorial Service. The national service of prayer, worship, and remembrance for the ‘Departed 8’ will take place at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, beginning at 8.30 AM. In attendance will be the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, H.E. John Dramani Mahama and the Vice President and Chair of the Armed Forces Council, H.E. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. The general public is accordingly invited.
- Thursday, 6 August 2026 at 4:00 PM: Unveiling of the Cenotaph. The Ministry of Defence will hold an official unveiling of a memorial cenotaph. Attendance is by invitation.
- Saturday, 8 August 2026: ‘Service to the Soul’ Nationwide Blood Donation Drive. This national humanitarian effort aims to fill blood banks and save lives in memory of those who died. The donation campaign will take place in all District, Regional, and Teaching Hospitals nationwide, at the 37 Military Hospital, and other locations to be announced.
- According to the statement, “The loss of these eight noble individuals remains a deeply painful chapter in our nation’s history. However, their spirit of dedication to duty must continue to inspire us as a people.”
- The Government called on all Ghanaians to take part in the ‘Service to the Soul’ Nationwide Blood Donation Drive on Saturday, 8 August 2026, by visiting the nearest health facility to give blood.
- “This is an appropriate and life-saving way to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. Let us come together in unity, through prayer and with patriotic devotion, as we offer support to the families left behind and keep the memory of the deceased alive. May the souls of the Departed Eight continue to rest in perfect peace,” Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu wrote.
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