President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to rise above political divisions and unite in national mourning following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

Delivering his first national address since the incident, President Mahama urged citizens to resist the urge to politicise the tragedy, stressing that the moment demands compassion, solidarity, and collective healing.

“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails.”

The President reminded the nation that beyond political affiliations and differences, Ghanaians are bound by shared humanity and now, shared sorrow.

“Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost,” he added.

The crash, which occurred in a dense forest area while the victims were en route to Obuasi, killed Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong.

Three military officers, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah also perished in the crash. The Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter went off radar before the fatal incident. There were no survivors.

In response, President Mahama declared three days of national mourning starting Thursday, August 7. He also announced a programme of commemorative events, including an Evening of Reflections on Saturday, August 9 at the State House and the opening of books of condolence at key institutions from Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14.

The mourning period will culminate in an inter-denominational state funeral at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, where the nation will formally honour the eight fallen individuals described as patriots who died in the line of duty.

President Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, while calling on all Ghanaians to mourn not as partisans, but as one people.