Accra came to a standstill on Friday, August 15, 2025, as top political, religious and social figures gathered at the Black Stars Square to bid farewell to six of the eight victims who perished in the tragic August 6 military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.
The solemn state funeral brought together dignitaries across the political spectrum.
The ceremony was marked by heart-wrenching tributes from family, colleagues and political leaders.
Widows, children and close friends shared moving accounts of the lives of the departed, recalling their dedication to public service, humility and sacrifices for the nation.
President John Dramani Mahama and his wife, Lordina Mahama, led the nation in mourning, with Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang also in attendance.
The rare sight of Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, former presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia seated together underscored the unifying grief that has engulfed the nation.
Other high-profile figures present included Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Acting Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and Movement for Change leader Alan Kyerematen.
Also spotted were Bernard Mornah, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, Sammy Gyamfi (CEO of Goldbod), Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, NPP Ashanti regional Chairman Wontumi, Daniel Nii Kwatei Titus Glover and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George.
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The ceremony was deeply spiritual, with the presence of Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Rev Stephen Wengam, Apostle Eric Opoku, and Rev Lawrence Tetteh.
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, also graced the occasion, offering Islamic prayers for the departed.
The eight officers and political leaders lost their lives while serving the nation.
‘Bafemi, you’ve left me broken’ – Widow of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi
They include Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, MP for Tamale Central & Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO, Sqn. Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, Ghana Air Force and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Ghana Air Force.
While six were laid to rest at Friday’s state funeral, the late Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna were earlier accorded Islamic state burials on August 10, 2025, at the Military Cemetery.
AM/SEA
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