President John Dramani Mahama indicated that the eight victims of last week’s horrific military helicopter tragedy would have a state funeral on Friday, August 15 at Black Star Square.
A national program of mourning will be observed prior to the funeral. A national memorial service is planned for Saturday, August 9, at 5 p.m. in the State House forecourt, and books of condolence will be opened at a few government agencies and party offices from Sunday, August 10 until Thursday, August 14.
Noting that the deceased were senior officials who had devoted their lives to public service, the president called the catastrophe both a personal loss and a national tragedy.
Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who was also the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, are among the deceased.
Three members of the Ghana Air Force, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, were also killed, along with Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director General at NADMO; and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
To ascertain the cause of the crash, President Mahama announced the establishment of an investigative board of inquiry.
He verified the recovery of the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder to support the investigation.
He assured the public that the government was collaborating closely with the families to guarantee accurate identification and respectable burial preparations, adding, “All eight bodies have been retrieved.”
He urged people to pay tribute to the memory of those who died rather than attempt to politicise the situation.
“This is a time for unity and reflection,” he said.
In addition to praying for the deceased, President Mahama urged Ghanaians to unite at this period of national sorrow.
Source: newsthemegh.com