Vila Nova Honors Eight Lives Lost
On August 11, 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe President Carlos Vila Nova visited Accra, laying flowers at the Presidency’s Ceremonial Garden and signing a condolence book to honor the eight victims of Ghana’s August 6 military helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom, including two cabinet ministers.
Vila Nova’s gesture, expressing solidarity, followed his arrival for bilateral talks. The Z9 helicopter, en route to Obuasi, crashed, prompting national mourning. President John Mahama urged Ghanaians to channel grief into nation-building, with flags at half-mast until August 13.
The crash, Ghana’s deadliest military aviation incident since 2018, has drawn international condolences, including from ECOWAS and Nigeria. Vila Nova’s visit underscores strong Ghana-São Tomé ties, reinforced by trade agreements and shared maritime security goals in the Gulf of Guinea.
Investigations continue, with missing helicopter parts hindering efforts to determine the cause. The Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council offers rewards for items returned by August 11, as search teams comb the Sikaman Brofoyedru forest site, supported by international experts.
Mahama thanked Vila Nova, emphasizing unity in grief. The visit, attended by 300 dignitaries, highlights global support for Ghana’s recovery, with ongoing efforts to ensure justice and enhance aviation safety protocols.