The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has dismissed claims that body bags were unavailable during the recovery of victims from the August 6 helicopter crash, which claimed eight lives, including three service members.
The military faced public criticism after videos surfaced showing the remains of the deceased being transported in sacks. Speaking on August 13 during a visit by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General William Agyapong explained that body bags were present but could not be used due to the condition of the remains and the challenging terrain.
“It was getting late, and the crash site was in a thick forest. The remains were extremely hot and unsuitable for the body bags. We had to use available materials to retrieve them before nightfall,” he said, noting that the recovery was the fastest in Ghana’s history for a helicopter crash.
GAF also confirmed that the aircraft’s black box had been retrieved and would be examined by experts and the manufacturer as part of ongoing investigations.
The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, and three crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
A state funeral will be held on August 15 at Black Star Square in Accra following a three-day national mourning period.
Source: AdomOnline
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