Hundreds of Ghanaians have trooped to the Black Star Square in Accra, which is steeped in solemnity, to pay their final respects to the eight people who lost their lives in the August 6 military helicopter crash.
The state burial, filled with both grief and patriotic reverence, has drawn a massive gathering of mourners.
Dignitaries present are President John Mahama, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, former President Nana Akufo-Addo, National Chief Imam Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, former President Agyekum Kufuor, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former First Ladies Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and Rebecca Akufo-Addo, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
Others include senior government officials, Members of Parliament, personnel from the various security agencies, religious leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The coffins have been draped in the Ghana flag and are lined in state as military pallbearers stand guard.
Family, friends, and well-wishers have gathered in their numbers at the ceremonial grounds, honouring the fallen heroes whose service and sacrifice have etched an enduring legacy in the nation’s history.
The deceased are Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary candidate.
The others are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Amaning Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. Samuel Sarpong was a former Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) in President J.E.A. Mills era, and later became Ashanti Regional Minister and later Central Regional Minister.
Adomonline.com’s photojournalist, Joseph Odotei, was present and captured these scenes.
Watch more photos below:
