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Authorities have flown samples from the remains of the eight victims of Wednesday’s military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region to South Africa for advanced DNA analysis to confirm their identities.
Although the 37 Military Hospital in Accra was initially designated to conduct the autopsies and identification process, the condition of the bodies required more sophisticated forensic capabilities, leading to the decision to seek international assistance.
Among those who died in the crash were two cabinet ministers: Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
The disaster also claimed the lives of Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress.
The helicopter’s crew—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also perished during the official mission to Obuasi.
On the evening of Thursday, August 7, a solemn reception was held at the Air Force Base in Accra as the remains were brought in from the crash site. The coffins, wrapped in Ghana’s national colours, were received under tight military escort. The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, led a government delegation to pay final respects.
The ceremony featured prayers, a moment of silence, and was attended by grief-stricken family members, top military personnel, and state officials—reflecting the magnitude of national mourning.
In honour of the victims, the government has declared a three-day national mourning period starting Thursday, August 7. Flags are to be flown at half-mast across the country, and all official events have been suspended.
Meanwhile, public calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the cause of the crash are intensifying. The Bureau of Public Safety has urged the government to ensure a credible probe that will uncover the exact cause and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
