Ghana’s state funeral for the eight distinguished citizens who perished in the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash was marked not only by deep national grief but also by an outpouring of international solidarity, particularly from Liberia.
Among the dignitaries present at the Black Star Square ceremony in Accra was Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Koung Sr., who joined President John Dramani Mahama and thousands of Ghanaians to mourn the fallen. His presence reinforced the close ties between the two West African nations.
Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., in an earlier condolence message to President Mahama, described the incident as a tragedy that “transcends the borders of Ghana and is felt deeply by the Liberian people.” He recalled with emotion the recent participation of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah in Liberia’s Independence Day celebrations, just days before the crash.
“Minister Boamah’s warmth and solidarity symbolised the enduring spirit of African brotherhood between Liberia and Ghana,” President Boakai said, emphasising that the loss was both personal and continental.
President Mahama, in his remarks, extended gratitude to global leaders who had reached out in the wake of the disaster, noting that the solidarity shown “affirms the strength of our national and international spirit.”
The fallen heroes — including Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Defence Minister; Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, MP and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Mr Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman; Mr Samuel Aboagye, Deputy NADMO Director-General; and three Air Force officers — were laid to rest with full military honours at the new Military Cemetery at Tse Addo, Accra.
The funeral drew a rare assembly of Ghana’s political leadership — from sitting and former presidents to first ladies and senior statesmen — underscoring the magnitude of the national loss.
As the last rites concluded, President Mahama urged Ghanaians to look beyond their grief toward renewal and healing. “We pray that this will be the beginning, as the Almighty God heals our land,” he said.
