Govt announces arrangements for State funeral of helicopter crash victims

The government has announced the details for the funeral of the victims of the tragic helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Adansi Akrufuom in the Ashanti Region.

The ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, August 15, 2025, and will be a fully military service led by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, August 14, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations at the presidency, Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, announced 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 program is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. and will conclude at 9:00 a.m. The Vice President is expected to arrive at 8:50 a.m., and President John Dramani Mahama will join at 9:00 a.m. to initiate the state service.

The three-hour ceremony will include readings of biographies for all eight victims, along with tributes from widows, children, government officials, and other representatives from various institutions.

After the service, the remains of six of the victims will be transported to the military cemetery at Tse Addo for interment, with burial rites being conducted jointly by the GAF and the respective churches of the deceased.

The helicopter crash on August 6 resulted in the loss of eight lives. Two of the victims, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, were laid to rest on Sunday, August 10, in keeping with Islamic traditions.

Those honoured on August 15 will include 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.

Mr Dogbe further encouraged the public to arrive early and follow the security measures that have been put in place for the event.