President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to turn their grief into a renewed commitment to building a stronger and more united country, as the nation concludes three days of mourning for the eight victims of last Wednesday’s military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking at an evening of reflections and memorial ceremony on Saturday, August 9, the President urged citizens to “move from grieving to accepting our loss,” stressing that the greatest tribute to the fallen would be to continue their mission of service to Ghana.

“Let us commit ourselves to working tirelessly, transcending our differences, and focusing our energies on the monumental task of national development,” he said.

“They served Ghana with their last breath, and it is our sacred duty to continue that service to the Ghana they envisioned — a Ghana of opportunity, justice, and prosperity for all.”

The fatal crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District on August 6, claiming the lives of:

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation

Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate

Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu

Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

The Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter carrying the victims went off radar while en route to Obuasi.

Following DNA analysis in South Africa, all remains have been positively identified.

Two victims — Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Muniru Mohammed — will be buried on Sunday, August 10.