The Akrofuom Divisional Council has stopped residents of Sikaman Brofoyedru from holding a one-week memorial for the eight victims who died in last week’s military helicopter crash.
Adom News visited the community to follow up on preparations for the planned event. Speaking to the news outlet, Mathew Baah, the Assembly Member for the Sikaman Electoral Area, said the gathering was intended to help ease tensions within the community.
Mr. Baah described the council’s move as worrying and appealed for mediation and intervention to allow the memorial to take place. He noted that the community had already incurred debts from arrangements and equipment rentals for the ceremony, which is now cancelled.
Residents are calling on government officials and other relevant stakeholders to intervene so they can pay their respects to the deceased.
Checks revealed that traditional leaders in Adansi Akrofuom blocked the ceremony due to a lack of prior communication. They said the decision was made in the best interest of the community, to prevent potential sanctions or disciplinary actions from higher authorities.
Meanwhile, some residents revealed they are still living in fear, with many unable to visit their farms, especially those whose farmlands are near the crash site.
Source: Isaac K. Normanyo
ALSO READ:
- There were multiple pickup location changes before helicopter crash – Obuasi MCE recounts [Audio]
-
Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings lays wreath in honour of helicopter crash victims
