The Government has announced a series of national activities to commemorate the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians.
In a statement issued by the Presidency Communications on Thursday, the Government said the commemorative events, which began on July 30, are intended to honour the memory, service and sacrifice of the victims, collectively referred to as the “Departed Eight.”
The statement noted that the programme has been organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders and alumni groups to pay tribute to the deceased while expressing solidarity with their bereaved families.
The activities commenced on Thursday, July 30, with the official presentation of the State’s support to the families of the deceased.
On Tuesday, August 4, a memorial lecture in honour of the late Dr Edward Omane Boamah will be held at Burma Hall, Burma Camp, in Accra at 2:00 p.m. The lecture is being organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Pope John Senior High School Old Students Association (POJOBA), and is open to the public.
A National Inter-Faith Memorial Service is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The service will bring together political leaders, religious organisations and members of the public in prayer and remembrance.
President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, and Vice-President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who also chairs the Armed Forces Council, are expected to attend the memorial service.
Later the same day, the Ministry of Defence will officially unveil a memorial cenotaph at 4:00 p.m. Attendance at the ceremony will be by invitation.
The commemorative activities will conclude on Saturday, August 7, with the “Service to the Soul” Nationwide Blood Donation Drive, aimed at replenishing blood banks across the country and saving lives in memory of the victims. The exercise will be held at district, regional and teaching hospitals nationwide, the 37 Military Hospital and other designated centres.
According to the Government, the blood donation campaign represents a meaningful way for Ghanaians to honour the memory of the deceased through an act of service to humanity.
Describing the tragedy as “a deeply painful chapter” in the nation’s history, the Government urged citizens, civil society organisations, religious bodies, media organisations and well-wishers to participate in the commemorative activities.
“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 said.
The statement was signed by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
