Ghana is gathering today, Friday, August 15, to honour eight patriots who died in last week’s military helicopter crash at Adansi in the Ashanti Region.
The state funeral, set for 7:30 a.m. at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra, will bring together the President, senior government officials, the Ghana Armed Forces, bereaved families, and members of the public in a ceremony of national mourning.
The victims lost their lives on August 6 while travelling to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
They included Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, MP for Tamale Central and Minister of Environment, Science and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation; Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo, all of the Ghana Air Force.
Two of the deceased, Dr Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Limuna Mohammed, were laid to rest on August 10 in accordance with Islamic tradition at the Military Cemetery, Burma Camp.
In the days leading up to today’s service, vigils and memorial gatherings have been held across the country, with flags flying at half-mast. President John Dramani Mahama has called for the grief to be channelled into action, saying the eight “served Ghana with their last breath” and that “we must not only mourn as one but commit to healing as one”.
The Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Dogbey, has said the funeral will be conducted as a full military service, beginning with tributes and Qur’an recitations before moving to the main burial rites. The remaining six will be buried at the Military Cemetery at Tse Addo.
The Ghana Police Service has announced temporary road closures and traffic diversions around Black Star Square and other parts of central Accra. Parking arrangements have been made for dignitaries, family members, and the public at designated locations including the Accra Sports Stadium, Osu Castle, and Efua Sutherland Park. Recovery vehicles will be on standby to clear any obstructions.
Security agencies have urged full cooperation from the public to ensure a dignified and orderly farewell for the fallen heroes, whose service and sacrifice will be etched in the nation’s history.
