The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic military helicopter crash that occurred on Tuesday, August 6, 2025, claiming the lives of eight people, including two distinguished Ministers of State.
In a solemn statement issued on Wednesday, the management of GPHA announced that all national flags at the country’s ports and related installations would be flown at half-mast in honour of the fallen individuals. The Authority said it stands with the entire nation in grief, particularly with the Presidency, the affected Ministries, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the bereaved families.
The incident, which took place in the Ashanti Region, has plunged the nation into mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the political, military, and corporate landscape. The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that the victims were aboard a military aircraft on official duty when the unfortunate crash occurred. Details of the accident are still under investigation, but government and military officials have pledged full transparency.
While GPHA refrained from listing the names of the deceased to avoid public confusion, the Authority stressed that the individuals lost were committed public servants whose dedication to national development should never be forgotten.
In its tribute, the Authority emphasized the critical role these statesmen and officers played in strengthening Ghana’s governance, national security, and civic development. “Their loss is not just personal to their families but is a blow to our national progress and democratic stability,” the statement read.
Speaking to the emotional weight of the tragedy, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, a notable Ghanaian entrepreneur and founder of the Jospong Group of Companies, also paid tribute to the victims, noting their immense contribution to national development. Dr. Agyepong described them as selfless individuals whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.
“I have had the opportunity to work closely with some of these distinguished individuals in various capacities, and I can say without hesitation that they served Ghana with all their heart. Their deaths are not just a loss to their families, but to the entire nation,” Dr. Agyepong remarked in a media interaction on Wednesday.
He further urged the government and the military to ensure that the cause of the crash is thoroughly investigated, not only to provide closure to the bereaved families but to safeguard the future of public officials and service personnel who risk their lives daily for the country.
Dr. Agyepong’s tribute comes amid a flood of similar messages from influential Ghanaians and institutions. Political leaders from both the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and opposition parties have paused their campaign activities in honour of the deceased. President John Dramani Mahama has reportedly instructed that all state functions include moments of silence and reflection throughout the week.
Additionally, religious and traditional leaders across the country have offered prayers and support to the affected families. At various churches and mosques, special sessions were held to intercede for the souls of the departed and comfort those left behind.
In line with national mourning protocols, the GPHA’s symbolic action of lowering flags at its installations adds to a series of respectful tributes being observed across the country. At the Tema and Takoradi Ports, visitors and staff could be seen in somber reflection, with several departments organizing brief moments of silence and prayer.
The Authority’s leadership called on all stakeholders within the maritime and shipping industry to observe the period of mourning with decorum and unity. It also urged the general public to refrain from spreading unverified information about the incident, stressing the importance of accuracy and respect during a time of national grief.
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, being a critical national institution, said it felt the direct impact of the loss, especially due to the government’s close collaboration with various sectors in advancing trade and maritime development.
Below is the full press release issued by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority:
PRESS RELEASE
7TH AUGUST 2025
GHANA PORTS AND HARBOURS AUTHORITY (GPHA) STANDS WITH THE NATION IN MOURNING THE VICTIMS OF THE HELICOPTER CRASH
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) joins the nation in mourning the tragic loss of eight (8) lives, including two Ministers of State, in the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash.
The Port Authority stands in solemn solidarity with the Presidency, the affected Ministries, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the bereaved families as the country comes to terms with this painful tragedy.
In honour of their devoted service to the country, we are flying the national flag at half-mast across all our installations.
May their souls rest in perfect peace and may their families be comforted – today and always.
– ENDS –
SIGNED
GENERAL MANAGER
MARKETING & CORPORATE AFFAIRS, HEADQUARTERS
GMARKETING AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Attention: All Media Houses
As investigations continue and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority is encouraging all citizens to reflect on the lives lost and the service they rendered to the country.
The entire staff and management of GPHA have pledged to honour their memory through continued dedication to national service and maritime excellence.
