By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi, GNA
Accra, Aug. 6, GNA – Religious leaders have urged Ghanaians to uphold the values of service, faith and sacrifice demonstrated by eight public officials who died in a military helicopter crash.
They said the best way to honour the memory of the victims was to emulate their commitment to duty and contribute to national development and peace.
The call was made during the National Interfaith Memorial Service for the “Departed 8” held in Accra on Thursday, one year after the Ghana Air Force helicopter crash that claimed their lives.
The service, held on the theme: “Lives of Service, Legacies of Sacrifice,” brought together government officials, security chiefs, religious leaders, traditional authorities, families of the deceased and members of the public to commemorate the victims.
Delivering the Christian sermon, Brigadier General Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode, Director General of Religious Affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces, said the lives of people who served with faith and commitment provided examples for future generations.
Citing Hebrews 11:4, he said although Abel died thousands of years ago, his life of faith continued to “speak” through the testimony of his righteous deeds.
Brig. Gen. Kumi-Woode said the legacy of the fallen officials should remind Ghanaians that true greatness was measured by service, humility and obedience to God rather than material possessions or public recognition.
He said the victims demonstrated loyalty, professionalism, patriotism and dedication to duty, with some making the ultimate sacrifice while serving the nation.
“Their legacy should inspire us to serve the nation with integrity and dedication in our respective fields. Let’s focus on the values instead of material possessions because while wealth fades, a life of faith, honesty and selfless service continue to influence generations,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Kumi-Woode prayed for eternal peace for the departed, strength for their families and continued unity, stability and peace for the country.
The eight victims were Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; and Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress.
The others were Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation; Wing Commander Peter Bafemi Anala; Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Ghana Air Force.
Family representatives paid tribute to their relatives, recalling their contributions to public service and describing the past year as a period marked by grief, reflection and reliance on faith.
“While the past year has been marked by deep grief and loss, God has sustained us with strength, comfort, and hope. Though we deeply miss our beloved fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers, we remain grateful for the lives they lived, the service they rendered to Ghana, and the enduring legacies they left behind,” said Charles Ohene Nti,who spoke on behalf of the family of the late Dr Omane Boamah, said:
Percy Anala, representing the family of Wing Commander Peter Bafemi Anala, said: “The loss of our beloved Peter Bafemi Anala is profoundly painful. His absence can never be truly and everyday reminds us of the huge void he leaves.”
“I have lost count of the number of times I have pulled out my phone to share a picture with him, only to remember that I will not get a response. It has been hard, but it is well. I stand here today grateful for my faith in God. It would have been an even scarier nightmare without God,” Mrs Ampadu said on behalf of the family of Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu.
Mercy Amoah, speaking on behalf of the family of Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, said: “For us, it was not only the loss of a husband, son or brother, but a painful separation from a force that stood by and with us through every season of our lives…we still remember, still mourn…”
The service was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Dr Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, ministers of state, Members of Parliament, heads of security services, members of the Judiciary, diplomatic representatives, traditional leaders, religious leaders and other dignitaries.
The Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter crashed on August 6, 2025, near Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while carrying officials from Accra to Obuasi for an official assignment linked to efforts against illegal mining.
All eight occupants died in the crash, which led to three days of national mourning, a state funeral and an official investigation into the cause of the accident.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Patrick Ofoe Nudzi