President John Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices of public servants while they are still serving the nation, rather than waiting until tragedy strikes before acknowledging their contributions.
The President made the call yesterday during a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service in Accra to mark the first anniversary of the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight state officials and military personnel on August 6, 2025.
Addressing government officials, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, security personnel and families of the deceased, President Mahama said many public servants dedicate themselves to national development under difficult conditions, often without public recognition.
He noted that public officers frequently spend long periods away from their families, travel extensively across the country and make critical decisions under immense pressure because of their commitment to serving the nation.
The President observed that the contributions of many public servants are often fully appreciated only after unfortunate incidents occur.
“And too often we celebrate such service only after tragedy strikes,” he stated.
He urged Ghanaians to cultivate a culture of acknowledging dedication and sacrifice as public service is being rendered, stressing that those who faithfully serve the country deserve recognition during their lifetime.
“Today we must resolve to appreciate public service even as it is performed daily. To appreciate those who labour faithfully, often without recognition, because they believe in something that is greater than themselves,” he added.
President Mahama also used the occasion to renew the government’s support for the families of the eight victims, assuring them that the nation continued to share in their grief.
He acknowledged that although one year had passed since the tragedy, the pain of losing loved ones remained profound.
“To the bereaved families, let me once again convey the deepest condolences of the government and the people of Ghana. I know that no speech can erase your pain, no anniversary can fill that empty seat at your dining table, and no ceremonies can replace the voices that you long to hear,” he said.
The President described the deceased as patriotic public servants whose commitment and sacrifice would forever be remembered in Ghana’s history.
He assured the families that their loved ones would never be forgotten, saying the nation would continue to honour their memory.
The August 6, 2025 crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter travelling from Accra to the region on official duty crashed while transporting a government delegation involved in efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Those who lost their lives included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Samuel Sarpong; former National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel – Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
A Daily Guide Report