President John Dramani Mahama has announced that a state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square in honour of the eight individuals who tragically lost their lives in the military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The inter-denominational state funeral is part of a week-long national mourning programme to pay tribute to the fallen ministers, government officials, and military crew.
According to the President, the commemoration will begin with an Evening of Reflections and Memorial on Saturday, August 9, at 5:00 p.m. at the forecourt of the State House.
In addition, books of condolence will be opened from Sunday, August 10, to Thursday, August 14, at several key institutions, including:
The Ministry of Defence
The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters
The head office of NADMO
The crash claimed the lives of five high-ranking state officials and three military personnel. Among the victims were Minister for Defence Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong.
The three crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah were also killed in the crash.
Initial investigations indicate the officials were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi for an assignment when the aircraft went off radar. All eight bodies have since been recovered, and investigations are ongoing.
President Mahama had earlier declared three days of national mourning starting Thursday, August 7, to honour the memory of what he called “national heroes who died in the line of duty.”
Meanwhile, Sample of the remains have been flown to South Africa for DNA test to identify the body.
BY PATRICIA BOAKYE
