ACCRA — Ghana’s government has announced a week-long national program commemorating the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash that killed eight government officials and public servants.
The victims—officially remembered as the “Departed Eight”—were traveling on a national assignment when the helicopter crashed. The disaster resulted in the loss of senior public figures and became one of the most painful events in Ghana’s recent history.
Minister for Government Communications and presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu called on Ghanaians to honor the victims’ service, sacrifice, and dedication to the country.
The commemorative activities began with the presentation of a government support package to the bereaved families. A public memorial lecture honoring the late Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah is scheduled for August 4 at Burma Hall in Accra.
The central commemoration will take place on August 6, beginning with a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service at the University of Professional Studies, Accra. President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and senior military and government officials are expected to attend.
Later that day, the Ministry of Defence will unveil a memorial cenotaph dedicated to the eight victims. The anniversary program will conclude on August 8 with the “Service to the Soul” nationwide blood-donation drive at regional, district and teaching hospitals and other designated health facilities.
The government has encouraged religious organizations, civil-society groups, media institutions and members of the public to participate in the memorial activities. Government of Ghana memorial announcement
Beyond honoring the victims, the anniversary may renew public discussion about military aviation safety, emergency response procedures and long-term assistance for families affected by national tragedies.
Ghana and Gabon Sign Cooperation Agreements
The memorial announcement came as Ghana concluded a three-day official visit by Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
President Nguema and his delegation held discussions with President Mahama focused on expanding diplomatic, economic and security cooperation between the two countries.
The visit produced two memoranda of understanding. The first establishes regular political consultations between the governments, while the second supports diplomatic training cooperation between Ghana’s Foreign Service Institute and Gabon’s Institute of Diplomatic Studies.
The two governments identified several areas for expanded cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, mining, agriculture, fisheries, maritime affairs, education, health, tourism, digital transformation, climate action, and defence and security.
Both leaders also emphasized the importance of using the African Continental Free Trade Area to increase bilateral commerce and promote broader African economic integration. Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Presidents Mahama and Nguema reaffirmed their support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063, constitutional government, regional security and greater cooperation among African states.
President Nguema departed Accra after the visit, which Ghana’s presidency described as an important step toward turning the countries’ longstanding diplomatic relationship into practical economic and institutional partnerships. Ghana Presidency