The Government has announced a series of national activities to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragic military helicopter crash of August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians in service to the nation.
In a statement issued by the Presidency Communications Office and signed by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government said the commemorative events are intended to honour the memory, sacrifice and dedicated service of the deceased, collectively referred to as the “Departed Eight.”
According to the statement, the week-long programme officially began on Thursday, July 30, 2026, with the presentation of the State’s support package to the families of the victims.
The government noted that the anniversary presents an opportunity for the nation to pause and reflect on the invaluable contributions of the eight individuals, while expressing solidarity with their bereaved families.
“As a nation, we must pause to remember, honour and pay tribute to the selflessness, service and sacrifice of the Departed Eight,” the statement said.
Memorial Lecture
A key highlight of the commemoration will be the Dr Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture, scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Burma Hall, Burma Camp in Accra.
The lecture, which begins at 2:00 p.m., is being organised jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the Old Students Association of Pope John Senior High School (POJOBA). Members of the public have been invited to attend the event.
National Inter-Faith Memorial Service
On Thursday, August 6, 2026, exactly one year after the fatal crash, a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service will be held at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The solemn service of prayer, worship and remembrance will be attended by President John Dramani Mahama, who is Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, as well as Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who also serves as Chairperson of the Armed Forces Council.
Government has extended an invitation to the general public, religious organisations, civil society groups, media practitioners and well-wishers to participate in the memorial service.
Cenotaph to Be Unveiled
Later on August 6, at 4:00 p.m., the Ministry of Defence will officially unveil a memorial cenotaph in honour of the victims.The unveiling ceremony will be attended strictly by invited guests.
Nationwide Blood Donation Exercise
The commemoration will conclude with a nationwide humanitarian initiative dubbed “Service to the Soul”, a blood donation campaign scheduled for Saturday, August 7, 2026.
The exercise will take place at all district, regional and teaching hospitals across the country, including the 37 Military Hospital and other designated centres.
According to the government, the initiative seeks to replenish blood banks nationwide and save lives while paying lasting tribute to those who lost their lives in the helicopter disaster.
Government has appealed to general public to participate in the blood donation exercise by visiting the nearest health facility to donate blood.
Describing the campaign as “an appropriate and life-saving way to pay tribute to our fallen heroes,” the statement urged citizens to demonstrate patriotism and national unity through the act of giving.
Call for National Unity
The Presidency emphasised that although the loss of the eight individuals remains one of the country’s most painful tragedies in recent history, their commitment to national service should continue to inspire future generations.
Government called on Ghanaians to join the commemorative activities through prayer, remembrance and support for the bereaved families.
“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,” the statement said.
By 1960news.com
