By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, July 31, GNA – The Government has announced a programme of activities for the commemoration of the 6th August 2025, helicopter disaster.
A statement issued by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications, said the activities would start on Thursday, 30 July, to mark the one-year anniversary of the tragic helicopter crash on 6 August 2025, which caused the deaths of eight distinguished national patriots.
“As a nation, we must pause to remember, honour, and pay tribute to the selflessness, service, and sacrifice of the ‘Departed 8’,” the statement said.
It noted that in solidarity with the bereaved families, the Government, together with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders, and alumni groups, had planned a series of solemn national events.
It said the public, civil society organisations, religious bodies, media houses, and well wishers were cordially invited to participate in the scheduled activities outlined below: Programme of Activities: – Thursday, 30 July, 2026: Official presentation of the State’s support to the families of the ‘Departed 8’.
Tuesday, 4th August 2026: Dr Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture.
It noted that the lecture would be held at the Burma Hall, Burma Camp, Accra, starting at 1400 hours and was being organised by the Ministry of Defence and the old students of Pope John SHS (POJOBA).
The statement added that the public was accordingly invited.
It said on Thursday 6th August, 2026, there would be a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service.
It said the national service of prayer, worship, and remembrance for the ‘Departed 8′ would take place at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, beginning at 0830 hours.
The statement said in attendance would be President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
It said the public was accordingly invited.
The statement announced that Thursday, 6th August, 2026 at 1600 hours there would be the unveiling of the Cenotaph.
It said the Ministry of Defence would hold an official unveiling of a memorial cenotaph declaring that attendance was by invitation.
The statement said Saturday 8th August, 2026, there would be “Service to the Soul” Nationwide Blood Donation Drive.
It said this national humanitarian effort aims to fill blood banks and save lives in memory of those who died.
It said the donation campaign would take place in all District, Regional, and Teaching Hospitals nationwide, at the 37 Military Hospital, and other locations to be announced.
It said the loss of these eight noble individuals remained a deeply painful chapter in our nation’s history; however, their spirit of dedication to duty must continue to inspire them as a people.
It called on Ghanaians to take part in the ‘Service to the Soul’ Nationwide Blood Donation Drive on Saturday, 8th August, 2026, by visiting the nearest health facility to give blood.
“This is an appropriate and life-saving way to pay tribute to our fallen heroes,” the statement said.
“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. May the souls of the Departed Eight continue to rest in perfect peace.”
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei