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W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation Pays Respects to Victims of August 6 National Tragedy
Accra, Ghana — August 15, 2025
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation Ghana, joined the nation in mourning the eight national heroes who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region, while en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
This morning, a delegation from the Foundation laid wreaths in honour of the departed at the Flagstaff House and later joined mourners at the state funeral at the Independence Square in Accra. National media reported that today’s state rites were held for the victims as Ghanaians gathered to pay their final respects.
- The victims included the following Government and National Figures and Crew Members:
Government and National Figures
- Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
- Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former Parliamentary Candidate
Crew Members
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Pilot
- Flying Officer Mane‑Twum Ampadu, Co‑Pilot
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Flight Technician
(Authorities and news outlets confirmed that the crash claimed eight lives, including senior government officials and three Ghana Air Force crew members.)
One of the most anticipated moments was the official public introduction of Jeffrey Alan Peck, great-grandson of Dr. Du Bois and a Board Member of the Foundation. Peck spoke passionately about his family’s connection to Ghana and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Rawlings and Nkrumah families, as well as the people of Ghana, for honoring his great-grandfather’s legacy.
The event brought together past directors and thought leaders who reflected on the Centre’s founding purpose and its evolving role in Pan-African scholarship and cultural preservation. The day’s featured speakers included:
- Prof. Anne V. Adams, Professor Emerita, Cornell University and former Director of the Centre
- Senator Conmany B. Wesseh, Liberian statesman and former Director of the Centre
- Dr. Sekou Nkrumah, son of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and former Executive Director of the Centre
- Dr. William N.T. Evans-Anfom, renowned physician, statesman, and architect of the Du Bois tomb
- Maame Efua Honadjeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, representing the Minister of Tourism
Representing the Foundation and its partners, the delegation comprised Mr. Isaka Koney (Facility Manager), Mr. George Norman Sylvester (Artistic Director), Mr. Terry Mingle (PR & Communications Specialist), Ms. Juliana Gbekley (Administrative Assistant), and Dora Chika Onyekwumnazu (Education Officer). The team also paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) to sign the book of condolences and convey our sympathies to the Ministry’s leadership and staff.
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, PR & Communications Specialist Mr. Terry Mingle reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission to preserve, promote, and protect the legacy of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, and shared ongoing plans to transform the Du Bois Memorial Centre into a world‑class museum complex and research facility—an enduring space for reflection, scholarship, and public service.
“We honour the memory of these patriots whose dedication to national development inspired countless Ghanaians. May their families find comfort, and may their legacy strengthen our collective resolve to build a just and prosperous Ghana.”
The W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, colleagues, and all Ghanaians affected by this loss.
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