Julius Debrah receives remains of Omane Boamah, Muntala and six others 

The mortal remains of eight individuals, including two ministers of state and three Air Force officers, were received with full military honours at the Air Force Base in Accra on Wednesday night, following the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

The solemn ceremony was led by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama. He was accompanied by senior government officials, military high command, party executives, and religious leaders.

The victims were part of a government delegation traveling to Obuasi to launch the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), a national initiative aimed at regulating small-scale mining and creating sustainable job opportunities. Their helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District, killing all eight on board.

The deceased include:

•Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence

•Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science and Technology

•Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

•Dr. Samuel Sarpong – National Vice Chairman of the NDC and former Ashanti Regional Minister

•Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East

•Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Ghana Air Force

•Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu – Ghana Air Force

•Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Ghana Air Force

The remains were flown in from the crash scene under heavy military escort. At the Air Force Base, the caskets—each draped in the national flag—were formally handed over to the state. A military parade was held in their honour, and Christian and Islamic prayers were offered for their souls.

Among the dignitaries present were Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu, NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, and Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu. Members of the Armed Forces, the clergy, party functionaries and family representatives were also in attendance.

President John Dramani Mahama has declared a three-day national mourning period, during which all flags are to fly at half-mast. In a statement, the Presidency described the crash as a painful national tragedy, and paid tribute to the victims as “dedicated patriots who died in active service to the Republic.”

“The nation has lost loyal public servants and gallant officers. Their contributions to national development will not be forgotten,” the statement added.

Public reaction to the incident has been marked by deep sorrow across the country. Vigils were held in several communities, and social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence and tributes to the departed.

The Ghana Armed Forces and the relevant aviation authorities have commenced investigations into the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings are yet to be made public.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for a full state burial. The Office of the President is expected to release details of the funeral arrangements in the coming days.