By Grace Zigah
A wave of emotion swept through the forecourt of Jubilee House on Friday, August 8, 2025, when Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, broke down in tears while paying her respects to the eight victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.
The solemn tribute ceremony, part of a series of national mourning activities, brought together top government officials, political leaders, military personnel, and members of the public to honour the men who lost their lives while serving the nation.
Among the fallen were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate and Deputy NADMO Director General, Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Dressed in solemn black attire, the First Lady arrived at the forecourt accompanied by Minister of Communication Samuel Nartey George, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and her three children — Farida Mahama and Sharaf Mahama among them.
She moved slowly towards the memorial structure, her face heavy with grief.
After laying a wreath in honour of the victims, Mrs Mahama visibly struggled to hold back her emotions.
Overcome by the weight of the loss, she wept openly, her sobs echoing in the otherwise quiet gathering.
Her children and aides stepped forward to comfort her, gently leading her away from the memorial as she continued to cry.
The government has declared three days of national mourning ahead of the state funeral scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025.
Books of condolence have been opened at the Ministries of Defence and Environment, the NDC headquarters, and the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters for citizens to express their sympathies.
