Ghana is today holding a state funeral to honour the eight individuals who tragically lost their lives in the August 6 military helicopter crash at Sikaman-Brofroyedru in the Adansi Akrofrom District of the Ashanti Region.
The ceremony, taking place at the Black Star Square in Accra, is being attended by President John Dramani Mahama, senior government officials, members of the security services, traditional leaders, and families of the deceased.
An interdenominational service will precede the burial of six of the victims at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo. These include:
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Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Defence Minister
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Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East
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Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
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Sqn. Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
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Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
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Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Two others — Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator — were buried on August 10 in accordance with Islamic rites.
The victims were on official duty when the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter they were aboard crashed, prompting renewed public concern over the state of the country’s military aviation fleet.
To ensure order and security, major roads in Accra have been temporarily closed to facilitate the funeral proceedings.
