Accra’s Parliament House forecourt glowed with candlelight on Saturday as thousands gathered for an Evening of Reflections, closing Ghana’s three-day national mourning for eight lives lost in the August 6 helicopter crash.
President John Mahama, former leaders John Kufuor and Mahamudu Bawumia, lawmakers, and grieving citizens stood united under a canopy of traditional dirges, their collective silence echoing the nation’s grief.
Institutions and families delivered tributes to the five officials and three military personnel, their words punctuated by flute melodies that seemed to cradle the shared sorrow.
President Mahama framed the loss as both deeply personal and national: “Days ago, these were vibrant lives dedicated solely to Ghana’s betterment. We honor their unwavering passion—extended to their final breath.”
The president transformed pain into purpose, urging citizens to “transcend differences” and recommit to nation-building.
“Their sacrifice must propel us toward justice, opportunity, and prosperity for all,” he declared, announcing Sunday’s Islamic burials for two victims. The crash, which killed ministers and security officers, has become a crucible for national unity a call to forge ahead where they left off.
