The Government of Ghana has announced a series of national activities to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragic August 6, 2025 helicopter disaster that claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaian patriots.
The programme of activities began on Thursday, July 30, 2026, with the official presentation of state support to the families of the deceased at the Jubilee House. The August 2025 helicopter disaster anniversary activities are aimed at honouring the sacrifices, service, and dedication of the eight individuals remembered as the “Departed Eight”.
The commemoration has been organised by government in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders, and alumni groups to support bereaved families and preserve the memory of those who lost their lives in national service.
Government outlines national remembrance programme
According to a statement issued by the Presidency Communications Directorate and signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Ghana will observe a series of solemn events to mark the anniversary.
The statement said the nation must pause to remember and honour the selflessness, service, and sacrifice of the eight victims. “As a nation, we must pause to remember, honour, and pay tribute to the selflessness, service, and sacrifice of the ‘Departed 8’,” the statement noted.
Government extended an invitation to the general public, civil society organisations, religious bodies, media houses, and well-wishers to participate in the scheduled activities.
The commemoration comes one year after the helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of eight public officials and officers whose contributions to national development and service continue to be recognised.
State support presented to families of victims
The first activity in the anniversary programme took place on Thursday, July 30, 2026, with the official presentation of state support to the families of the “Departed Eight”. The presentation formed part of government’s commitment to providing assistance and solidarity to the bereaved families following the national tragedy.
President John Dramani Mahama, during the presentation ceremony at the Jubilee House, said government’s intervention was a fulfilment of its responsibility to families who lost their loved ones while serving Ghana.
The support package included compensation, healthcare assistance, educational support, and long-term measures aimed at securing the welfare of the children and dependants of the victims.
Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture scheduled
As part of the anniversary activities, government will hold the Dr Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The lecture will take place at the Burma Hall, Burma Camp, Accra, beginning at 2:00 PM.
The event is being organised by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the old students of Pope John Senior High School and Junior Seminary (POJOBA).
Members of the public have been invited to participate in the lecture, which is expected to reflect on the life, contributions, and legacy of Dr Edward Omane Boamah, one of the victims of the helicopter disaster.
National Inter-Faith Memorial Service to honour victims
The main anniversary observance will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, with a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service. The service, which will bring together religious leaders, government officials, families of the deceased, and members of the public, will take place at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, at 8:30 AM.
The event will be attended by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, John Dramani Mahama, and Vice President and Chair of the Armed Forces Council, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
The service will provide an opportunity for the nation to unite in prayer, reflection, and remembrance of the eight individuals who lost their lives.
Ministry of Defence to unveil memorial cenotaph
Later on Thursday, August 6, 2026, the Ministry of Defence will hold an official unveiling ceremony for a memorial cenotaph in honour of the victims. The unveiling is scheduled for 4:00 PM, with attendance reserved for invited guests.
The cenotaph is expected to serve as a lasting symbol of national remembrance and recognition of the sacrifice made by the eight individuals.
Nationwide blood donation drive to honour victims
The final activity of the commemoration will be the “Service to the Soul” Nationwide Blood Donation Drive scheduled for Saturday, August 7, 2026. The humanitarian initiative seeks to replenish blood banks and save lives in memory of the departed individuals.
The donation exercise will take place at District, Regional, and Teaching Hospitals across the country, including the 37 Military Hospital and other designated locations to be announced.
“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”.
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu MP, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State in charge of Government Communications
Government calls for unity and remembrance
Government emphasised that although the loss of the eight individuals remains a painful chapter in Ghana’s history, their dedication to duty must continue to inspire future generations.
The Presidency called on citizens to come together through prayer, patriotic devotion, and support for the families left behind. “Let us come together in unity, through prayer and with patriotic devotion, as we offer support to the families left behind and keep the memory of the deceased alive,” the statement added.
The commemoration will conclude with a renewed national commitment to preserving the legacy of the “Departed Eight” and ensuring that their service and sacrifice remain part of Ghana’s collective memory. “May the souls of the Departed Eight continue to rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded
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