GAF Chief Explains Why Sacks Were Used to Transport Helicopter Crash Victims

Lieutenant General William Agyapong, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), has addressed the public concern over the use of sacks to transport the remains of eight victims from the August 6 military helicopter crash. Speaking with executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Lt. Gen. Agyapong defended the actions of the rescue team, explaining that the extreme conditions at the crash site necessitated the use of available materials.

Urgency and Unsuitable Conditions

According to the CDS, while body bags were present at the scene, the remains were too heated to be placed inside them. The crash occurred in a thick forest, and with nightfall approaching, the team was faced with a critical decision: leave the remains to be recovered the next day or transport them immediately using whatever was available. The team opted for the latter to prevent further damage or disrespect to the victims’ bodies.

A Difficult but Necessary Decision

“The remains were so heated that it was not conducive for the bags to be used,” Lt. Gen. Agyapong stated. He emphasized that the rescue team made a difficult but necessary decision based on their on-the-ground assessment. The team used sacks to transport the remains from the dense forest to a higher ground where medical personnel were waiting with proper body bags, some provided by AngloGold Ashanti.

Ongoing Search and Procedural Deviations

Lt. Gen. Agyapong acknowledged that the urgency of the situation may have led to some deviations from standard procedures. He noted that the operation was done “hurriedly” and that “it is possible that some things might have been done that were not in conformity with our culture.” However, he stood by the rescue team’s actions, stating, “I think that they did the best with the resources that they had at hand.”

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The CDS also confirmed that the rescue operation is still ongoing, with personnel continuing to expand the search for all remains and aircraft parts. The remains were later transferred to coffins draped in national colors and transported to Accra, where a befitting reception was arranged.