It is difficult to put into words the weight of such loss – Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of eight prominent Ghanaians who lost their lives in the tragic August 6 Sikaman helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking at the state funeral held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre, Mr. Mahama said the incident had left a wound in the heart of the nation that words could scarcely capture.

“It is difficult to put into words the weight of such loss,” the former president said, his voice heavy with emotion. “These were not just public servants — they were fathers, brothers, friends, and pillars of our nation’s progress.”

Honouring the Victims

The helicopter crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, Deputy NADMO Director-General Samuel Aboagye, and three Ghana Air Force officers — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

They were on an official mission to Obuasi for the launch of the Cooperative Mining Initiative when the aircraft went down in the Adansi Akrofrom District.

Mr. Mahama described the victims as patriots who had dedicated their lives to Ghana’s development.

“We Have Lost Giants”

In his tribute, the former president highlighted the leadership and dedication of each of the deceased, noting their contributions in governance, security, and community development.

“These were men whose vision went beyond personal gain. They worked tirelessly to uplift communities and champion the cause of a better Ghana. Their absence will be felt in the corridors of power, in their families, and in the hearts of the ordinary people they served,” Mahama stated.

He further expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, acknowledging the unimaginable pain they were going through.

“No words, no speeches, and no ceremonies can erase the pain. But as a people, we must draw strength from their example and continue the work they began,” he said.

A Call for National Reflection

The former president also used the occasion to call for a deeper reflection on Ghana’s commitment to safety standards in air transport, stressing that the nation must learn from the tragedy to prevent future occurrences.

“While today is a day of mourning, it must also be a day of reflection — to ensure that we safeguard the lives of those who serve this nation so selflessly,” Mahama said.

A Final Farewell

As the caskets of the eight men lay draped in the national flag, Mr. Mahama joined hundreds of mourners, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, government officials, opposition leaders, security personnel, and ordinary citizens, in paying their final respects.

In closing his tribute, the former president said:

“May their souls find rest in the bosom of the Almighty. And may Ghana, the country they served so well, honour their memory by striving always for unity, justice, and peace.”

The August 6 helicopter crash remains one of Ghana’s most devastating tragedies in recent years, leaving an irreplaceable void in both leadership and the national spirit.

Source: My News Ghana