Samples of the remains of the eight individuals who perished in Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region have been flown to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.

Although the 37 Military Hospital in Accra was initially expected to carry out the autopsy and identification procedures, the condition of the bodies has necessitated more advanced forensic processes, prompting the decision to transfer the remains abroad.

Among the deceased were two cabinet ministers: Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

Also killed in the crash were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The three Air Force personnel who operated the ill-fated Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also lost their lives during the official flight to Obuasi.

A sombre reception ceremony was held at the Air Force Base in Accra on the evening of Thursday, August 7, as the remains were flown in from the crash site. The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, led a high-level government delegation to receive the coffins, which were draped in Ghana’s national colours and transported under heavy military escort.

The ceremony was marked by solemn prayers, a moment of silence, and the grief-stricken presence of senior military officers, family members, and state officials. The atmosphere reflected the depth of national sorrow over the devastating loss.

In honour of the fallen, the government has declared three days of national mourning beginning Thursday, August 7. All national flags are to be flown at half-mast, and official state events have been suspended.

Meanwhile, calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the cause of the crash are growing louder. The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has urged the government to ensure a thorough inquiry to uncover the root cause of the incident and prevent future tragedies.