The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) have received the remains of eight individuals who perished in Wednesday’s fatal military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The bodies were transported from the Dampia Range Forest Reserve, the crash site, in a Ghana Air Force aircraft. Upon arrival at the Air Force Base in Accra, a solemn and tightly controlled military ceremony was held.
Senior military officers, led by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, and other high-ranking officials, were present to receive the fallen. Observers described a sombre and tense atmosphere as the aircraft’s cargo doors opened to reveal the flag-draped caskets.
Security was tight at the base. Attendees were instructed not to use mobile phones or record any part of the ceremony, out of respect for the deceased and their families. “All activities here are restricted,” an officer announced, urging the media and mourners to refrain from capturing footage.
As the caskets were lowered from the aircraft, military pallbearers moved in precision, carrying the remains of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, NDC Vice-Chair Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, and former MP Samuel Aboagye.
The Ghana Air Force personnel who lost their lives are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, who were also among the honoured dead.
Clergy members offered prayers as part of the reception rites, and traditional military honours were observed.
President John Dramani Mahama has since declared three days of national mourning and ordered all national flags to be flown at half-mast across the country. Ghanaians continue to grieve the loss of these distinguished public servants and patriots.