Mahama urges Ghana to honour public servants before tragedy strikes
Speaking at a memorial marking one year since the helicopter crash that killed eight senior officials and military personnel, Ghana's president said the nation should recognise the sacrifices of public servants while they are still alive.
President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to recognise the contributions of public servants during their lifetimes, saying their sacrifices are too often acknowledged only after tragedy.
Speaking at a national inter-faith memorial service in Accra on Wednesday to mark one year since the military helicopter crash that killed eight senior government officials and military personnel, Mr Mahama said many public servants worked under difficult conditions with little public recognition.
"Much of their work goes unnoticed. They travel long distances. They spend countless hours away from their families. They endure difficult conditions. They make decisions under pressure," the president said.
"They accept risks because they believe that Ghana's progress is worth every effort."
He said the country had a responsibility to celebrate those who dedicated their lives to public service before they were lost.
"Too often we celebrate such service only after tragedy strikes," he said.
Mr Mahama called on Ghanaians to develop a culture of appreciating those who serve the nation faithfully, even when their work attracts little attention.
"Today we must resolve to appreciate public service even as it is performed daily. To appreciate those who labour faithfully, often without recognition, because they believe in something that is greater than themselves," he added.
Addressing relatives of those who died in the crash, the president expressed the nation's condolences,
acknowledging that the pain of losing loved ones could not be erased.
"To the bereaved families, let me once again convey the deepest condolences of the government and people of Ghana," he said.
"I know that no speech can erase your pain."
The helicopter crashed on 6 August 2025 while carrying senior government officials and members of the Ghana Armed Forces on an official mission linked to the country's fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Among those killed were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, senior security officials and Ghana Air Force personnel.
Thursday's memorial service was attended by government ministers, military chiefs, religious leaders, diplomats and relatives of the victims, who gathered to honour those who lost their lives while on national duty.