Presidency releases program for memorial honouring victims of helicopter crash
The Office of the President has released the official program for the Evening of Reflection and Memorial in honour of the eight Ghanaians who tragically lost their lives in the military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6.
The solemn ceremony will take place at 5:00 p.m. at the forecourt of the State House in Accra, and is expected to draw dignitaries, government officials, military personnel, and members of the public to pay tribute to the fallen.
The evening will begin with arrivals, seating, and musical interludes, setting a reflective tone for the proceedings.
This will be followed by interfaith prayers led by Colonel Francis Agyemang, Chaplain and Director of Religious Affairs of the Ghana Air Force, and Major Mohammed Alhassan, Chief Imam of the Ghana Armed Forces.
A national reflection titled “Their Service and Ultimate Sacrifice, Our National Call to Action” will be delivered by Minister of State and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, underscoring the significance of the tragedy and the duty it places on the nation.
Institutional tributes under the theme “They Were Part of Us in the Service of Ghana” will be delivered by representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ghana Armed Forces, National Security Council Secretariat, Parliament, and NADMO honouring the roles each of the fallen played in service to the country.
Families of the victims will offer personal reflections under the poignant theme “Before They Were Heroes, They Were Ours,” followed by tributes from the National Democratic Congress.
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and President John Mahama will both deliver remarks in honour of the deceased, before the evening concludes with benedictions, the national anthem, and closing musical performances.
The memorial aims not only to honour the memory of those lost, but to unite the nation in grief, gratitude, and renewed resolve.