The eight individuals who lost their lives in the Ghanaian helicopter crash—including the Ministers of Defence and Environment—were honoured with a formal military reception upon the arrival of their remains at the Accra Airbase on Wednesday evening.
A tragic incident has shaken Ghana as Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, lost their lives in a fatal helicopter crash. Also among the deceased were a senior national security adviser, the vice-chairperson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and four members of the flight crew. The group was en route to a gold-mining site located in the Ashanti region when the accident occurred.
When did the Helicopter Crash happen
The ill-fated journey began on Wednesday morning, when the delegation departed from Accra, Ghana’s capital city, aboard a military helicopter. Their flight path took them northwest into the country’s interior, headed toward an area known for its mining activities. Unfortunately, partway through the journey, the aircraft disappeared from radar systems, prompting immediate concern.
Hours later, military search and rescue teams discovered the wreckage in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region. Upon arrival at the crash site, it was confirmed that there were no survivors. The remains of all eight individuals were recovered and flown back to the capital on a Ghana Air Force aircraft, which landed at approximately 9:00 PM.
Awaiting their arrival were several senior government officials, led by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who stood in solemn silence as the bodies were received. In keeping with military tradition, the short but dignified ceremony saw each of the eight coffins draped in Ghana’s national flag. A prayer session followed, conducted by both Christian and Muslim religious leaders, reflecting the diverse faith backgrounds of the victims. After the prayers, the coffins were respectfully transported by hearse to a local mortuary.
Memorial Service for the Helicopter Crash victims
One of the most anticipated ceremonies was the burial of Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, which was originally scheduled to take place at 10:00 AM on Thursday in his hometown of Tamale, located in Northern Ghana. However, according to an official government announcement, the burial plans have been postponed. Although the government has communicated this change to the minister’s family, the reasons for the delay and a new burial date have yet to be disclosed.
In response to the devastating loss, the Government of Ghana has announced a three-day national mourning period. As part of this observance, all national flags have been ordered to fly at half-mast across the country. This symbolic gesture is intended to honour the lives and service of the eight individuals who died while carrying out official duties for the nation.
This tragedy has left a profound void in both the government and the hearts of many citizens, particularly within the ranks of the National Democratic Congress and the Armed Forces. The nation mourns the loss of these prominent public servants and prays for comfort for their families and loved ones in this time of grief.
