A year after Ghana helicopter tragedy, Mahama tells bereaved families: 'You are not alone'

One year after a military helicopter crash claimed the lives of eight senior government officials and military personnel, President John Mahama has told their families that they will continue to have the nation's support.

Speaking at a national inter-faith memorial service in Accra on Thursday, Mr Mahama acknowledged that time had done little to ease the grief of those who lost husbands, fathers, brothers and colleagues in the crash, but said they should never feel they were carrying that burden alone.

"To the bereaved families, permit me once again to convey the deepest condolences of the government and the people of Ghana," he said.

"I know that no speech can erase your pain, no anniversary can fill that empty seat at your dining table, and no ceremony can replace the voices that you long to hear."

He added: "Please rest assured that the nation still mourns with you. Your loved ones did not die alone; they belong to all of Ghana, and we will continue to remember them."

The memorial marked the first anniversary of the crash of a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region while carrying senior officials on an official assignment.

Among those killed were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, National Democratic Congress Vice-Chairman Samuel Sarpong, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Their deaths triggered national mourning and led to state funerals attended by thousands of mourners, with the victims receiving full military honours in recognition of their service to Ghana.

Since the crash, the government has maintained support for the bereaved families through state engagements and welfare assistance, while the Ghana Armed Forces has continued to provide support to the families of the deceased

military personnel.

Thursday's memorial, attended by senior government officials, military commanders, religious leaders and

relatives of the victims, was the latest national event held to honour their memory.

Mr Mahama paid tribute to the eight as public servants whose commitment to duty ultimately cost them their lives.

He also praised their families for what he described as their courage and dignity over the past year.

"You have borne your grief with remarkable courage and dignity," he said. "In doing so, you have reminded all of us that love does not end with death; it endures in memory, faith and the lives we choose to live thereafter."

Held under the theme "Lives of Service, Legacies of Sacrifice," the memorial brought together Christian and Muslim leaders in prayers for the victims and their families.

The president said remembering those who died should extend beyond annual commemorations and serve as a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women in public service.

"Their legacy belongs to the nation," he said, "and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that neither their service nor their families are forgotten."