Remains of helicopter crash victims flown to South Africa for analysis
The remains of the eight individuals who perished in Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region are being flown to South Africa for advanced DNA analysis to assist with identification.
Initially, the 37 Military Hospital in Accra was expected to handle the autopsy and identification process.
However, due to the condition of the bodies, authorities have opted for more sophisticated forensic procedures available abroad.
Among the deceased were two cabinet ministers: the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. Others included Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the opposition NDC.
The crash also claimed the lives of the three Ghana Air Force crew members who were operating the Z-9 military helicopter: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
They were on an official flight to Obuasi when the aircraft went down.
A solemn reception was held at the Air Force Base in Accra on Wednesday evening, August 7, as the remains were brought in from the crash site.
Led by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, a high-level government delegation received the flag-draped coffins under heavy military escort.
The ceremony included prayers, a moment of silence, and the presence of grieving families, senior military officers, and state officials, all reflecting the depth of national mourning.
In honour of the victims, the government has declared three days of national mourning starting Thursday, August 7.
National flags are to be flown at half-mast, and all official state functions have been suspended.
Meanwhile, public calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the crash continue to intensify.
The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has urged the government to launch a thorough, evidence-based inquiry to determine the cause and prevent similar tragedies in the future.