The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will today, Friday,  August 15, 2025, hold a full military funeral at Black Star Square for six of the eight victims who died in the tragic helicopter crash on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, at Adansi Akrufuom in the Ashanti Region.

Air Commodore Thomas Niifio Okai, Director-General of Human Resources at the GAF General Headquarters, briefed the media on preparations, saying the ceremony would be “essentially military in nature” and led by the Ghana Armed Forces Chaplaincy with support from selected civilian clergy.

“Our responsibility is to move our fallen heroes from the morgue to Black Star Square for the service and then to the Military Cemetery for burial,” he said.

“Burying six heroes at the same time is not the same as burying just one person. There will be unique arrangements and innovations to ensure they are accorded the highest state respect possible.”

The solemn event will feature full military honours, including casket processions draped in the national flag, ceremonial guards, and gun salutes.

After the service, the cortege will proceed to the Military Cemetery, where final rites will be performed.

Air Commodore Okai appealed for public cooperation to maintain discipline and order at both Black Star Square and the cemetery.

“We don’t want a situation where people are walking in areas they are not supposed to be. Let us all ensure the highest form of discipline,” he urged.

The government has announced detailed arrangements for the state funeral.

Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe, addressing the media at a press conference yesterday, Thursday, 14 August 2025, explained that the funeral would be held in three parts: beginning with Bible and Qur’an recitals, followed by the main service, and concluding with the burial.

The pre-burial programme will start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 9:00 a.m. The Vice-President is expected to arrive at 8:50 a.m., and President John Dramani Mahama will arrive at 9:00 a.m. to commence the state service.

The three-hour ceremony will include the reading of biographies of all eight crash victims, as well as tributes from widows, children, government officials, and institutional representatives.

Following the service, the remains of the six will be transported to the Military Cemetery at Tse Addo for interment, with burial rites jointly overseen by the GAF and the respective churches of the deceased.

Mr Dogbe urged the public to arrive early and comply with all security protocols for the event.

The 6 August helicopter crash claimed eight lives. The six to be buried today are: Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Mr Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The other two victims, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, were buried on Sunday, August 10, in accordance with Islamic customs.

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