President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday led Ghanaians in paying tribute to eight public servants who lost their lives in a helicopter crash exactly one year ago, describing their sacrifice as a lasting reminder of the sacred duty of public service and urging the nation to honour them through responsible leadership, stronger institutions and national unity.
Speaking at the National Interfaith Memorial Service in Accra, President Mahama reflected on the tragedy that struck the nation on August 6, 2025, saying the day remains deeply etched in the country’s collective memory.
“Today is one of those days when a nation deliberately slows its pace, not because history demands it but because memory does,” the President said.
He recalled the shock and grief that followed the announcement of the helicopter crash, noting that the tragedy extended beyond the bereaved families to touch the conscience of the entire nation.
“In a single tragic moment, eight precious lives were cut short in a helicopter accident while in service of our nation. Some tragedies unfold quietly within families and communities. Then some tragedies touch the conscience of an entire nation, and this was one such tragedy,” he stated.
President Mahama said the memorial service was not merely an occasion to mourn but an opportunity to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to remembering those who devoted their lives to national service.
“We gather not to relive that pain but to give it meaning. We gather because remembrance is an obligation for every grateful nation,” he said, adding that “a country that forgets those who served it slowly forgets the values on which it is built.”
He paid glowing tribute to the eight deceased, describing them as individuals from different backgrounds and professions who were united by a common purpose of serving God and country.
“They answered the call to serve God and the country. None of them boarded that helicopter expecting that it would be their final journey. Like countless public servants every day, they set out to perform their duties,” he noted.
The President said the anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of appreciating the sacrifices made daily by public servants across the country.
“As President, I have often reflected on the enormous sacrifices made by the men and women who dedicate their lives to public service… Today we must resolve to appreciate public service even as it is performed daily,” he said.
Addressing the bereaved families, President Mahama acknowledged that no words could erase their grief but assured them that the nation continues to stand with them.
“I know that no speech can erase your pain. No anniversaries can fill that empty seat at the family table.Your loved ones did not die alone. They belong to all of Ghana, and Ghana will continue to remember them,” he said.
The President also called on national leaders to draw lasting lessons from the tragedy by strengthening safety standards, improving public institutions and investing more in the welfare of personnel serving the country.
“The greatest memorial we can build is not one made of stone or bronze. It is one that is built through responsible leadership, improved systems, and a steadfast commitment to protecting those who dedicate their lives to Ghana,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the unity displayed by Ghanaians in the aftermath of the tragedy, President Mahama praised citizens, religious bodies, traditional authorities and the security services for standing with the bereaved families.
“Beyond our politics, beyond our ethnic differences, beyond our religious beliefs, we remain one people, united by our common humanity. That unity is perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer to those we have lost,” he said.
Concluding his address, President Mahama urged Ghanaians to honour the memory of the fallen by living lives of integrity and selfless service.
“Let us honor the departed by serving our nation with greater integrity. Let us honor them by placing duty above self-interest. Let us honor them by treating one another with greater kindness,” he urged.
He ended with prayers for the eternal rest of the departed, comfort for their families, protection for all who continue to serve the Republic, and God’s continued blessings upon Ghana.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
