The Government of Ghana has flown the remains of eight victims from last Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region to South Africa for advanced forensic examination.
The delegation overseeing the transfer was led by Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, alongside senior government officials, military commanders, and members of the clergy. The bodies were accompanied by a team from the Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Forensic Unit, tasked with expediting the investigation into the fatal incident.
A Nation in Mourning of Crash Victims
The Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter departed Accra at 9:12 a.m. en route to Obuasi but lost radar contact shortly after takeoff. All eight people onboard were later confirmed dead.
Among the deceased were:
- Two serving ministers
- Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna
- Vice-Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Sarpong
- Former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye
- Three military officers: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The remains were first airlifted from Kumasi to Accra and received with military honors at the Air Force Base, Burma Camp.
Solemn Ceremony at Burma Camp
A dignified reception ceremony, attended by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, senior ministers, service chiefs, and party officials, reflected the nation’s grief. Military pallbearers carried the flag-draped coffins to catafalques as Christian and Muslim leaders offered intercessory prayers for the souls of the departed and strength for the bereaved families.
Following the prayers, the coffins were moved to the 37 Military Hospital mortuary for autopsy and preservation before the South Africa transfer.
Government Commitment to a Thorough Investigation
Minister Mohammed-Mubarak thanked Ghanaians for their solidarity, noting:
“We know the families are grieving and eager to lay their loved ones to rest, but thorough examinations are necessary. We want to assure them that the government is working around the clock to speed up the investigation.”
The government has pledged transparency in determining the cause of the crash and ensuring the highest standards in the forensic process.
