Samples of the remains of the eight individuals who died in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region have been flown to South Africa for DNA testing to assist in their identification.
Initially, the 37 Military Hospital in Accra was expected to handle the autopsies and identification. However, the severely burnt condition of the bodies made it necessary to rely on more advanced forensic methods, prompting the decision to send samples abroad.
The deceased include two cabinet ministers: Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Also on board were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Three Ghana Air Force personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — also perished during the official mission to Obuasi.
A solemn reception was held at the Air Force Base in Accra on Thursday evening, August 7, as the remains arrived from the crash site. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah led a high-ranking government delegation to receive the coffins, which were draped in the national flag and transported under tight military escort.
The ceremony featured prayers, a moment of silence, and emotional scenes involving grieving families, senior military officials, and state representatives, capturing the depth of national mourning.
In honour of the fallen, the government has declared three days of national mourning beginning Thursday, August 7. National flags are to be flown at half-mast, and all official state activities have been suspended.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash, urging the government to ensure accountability and take steps to prevent future tragedies.
Source: Adomonline
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