The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, on Wednesday night led a high-powered government delegation to receive the remains of Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others who tragically perished in the military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
The solemn ceremony took place at the Air Force Base in Accra, where the bodies were flown in from the crash site in the Adansi Akrofuom District amid heavy military presence and a national mourning.
Standing alongside senior military officers and state dignitaries, Mr. Debrah received the coffins draped in the national flag, as prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
The atmosphere was heavy with grief as Ghana paid tribute to the eight public servants and service members who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The government delegation comprised senior military officers, ministers of state, party executives, and members of the clergy, all of whom gathered to pay their final respects. Among the dignitaries present were Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, and Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
Among the victims were two Cabinet Ministers—Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed—as well as Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC National Vice Chairman, a former Parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye, and three Ghana Air Force personnel: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
President John Dramani Mahama has since declared a three-day national mourning period, with all national flags ordered to fly at half-mast in honour of the fallen.
As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, the nation remains united in sorrow, reflecting on the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the deceased.
BY JULIANA ODAME ASARE
