The government has announced a series of national commemorative activities to mark the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight senior public officials and military personnel.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the activities are aimed at honouring the memory, service and sacrifice of the eight victims, collectively referred to as the “Departed 8.”
The Presidency said the anniversary provides an opportunity for the nation to pause to remember, honour and pay tribute to the selflessness, service and sacrifice of the “Departed 8.”
It noted that the commemorative programme has been organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders and alumni groups in solidarity with the bereaved families.
The activities began on Thursday, July 30, with the presentation of the State’s support to the families of the deceased.
The statement was signed by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
As part of the programme, the Ministry of Defence, in partnership with the Pope John Senior High School Old Boys Association (POJOBA), will host the Dr Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture on Tuesday, August 4.
The lecture will be held at Burma Hall in Burma Camp, Accra, from 2:00 p.m. and will be open to the public.
The main national commemoration will take place on Thursday, August 6, with an interfaith memorial service at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra.
The service, scheduled for 8:30 a.m., will be attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Chair of the Armed Forces Council.
Government officials, members of the security services and the bereaved families are also expected to attend.
Later that day, at 4:00 p.m., the Ministry of Defence will unveil a memorial cenotaph in honour of the deceased. The event will be by invitation.
The commemorative activities will conclude on Saturday, August 7, with a nationwide blood donation exercise dubbed “Service to the Soul.”
The campaign will be held at district, regional and teaching hospitals across the country, as well as the 37 Military Hospital and other designated centres.
According to the government, the initiative is intended to replenish blood banks and save lives in memory of the eight victims.
“The Government calls on all Ghanaians to take part in the ‘Service to the Soul’ Nationwide Blood Donation Drive on Saturday, 7 August 2026, by visiting the nearest health facility to give blood. This is an appropriate and life-saving way to pay tribute to our fallen heroes,” the statement said.
Describing the helicopter crash as “a deeply painful chapter in our nation’s history,” the Presidency urged Ghanaians to unite in prayer, patriotism and support for the bereaved families.
It also called on the public to preserve the memory and legacy of the victims so that their service and sacrifice continue to inspire future generations.
