The Government of Ghana has announced that a state funeral will be held on Friday for the eight Ghanaians who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.

In a joint statement issued by President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Government said the final funeral for the 8 people would be held on Friday, 15 August 2025, at the Black Star Square.

“H.E. John Dramani Mahama- President of the Republic of Ghana and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces,

H.E. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang- Vice President, the Government and People of Ghana, and the Families of the departed announce:

A STATE FUNERAL FOR THE DEPARTED EIGHT (8) GHANAIANS”

Background

The fatal accident claimed the lives of all eight on board the Harbin Z-9 helicopter, which was travelling to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region for an anti-illegal mining (galamsey) programme on August 6, 2025. The aircraft went off radar, prompting a search-and-rescue operation that ended in tragedy.

Among the high-profile victims were two cabinet ministers — Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed — as well as Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The helicopter crew members who also perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.