The remains of the eight individuals who died in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region are to be transported to South Africa for DNA testing to aid in their identification.

The decision follows assessments by forensic experts indicating that the condition of the bodies requires advanced DNA analysis, which the 37 Military Hospital in Accra is currently not equipped to handle. The facility was initially expected to conduct autopsies and identification.

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

Also on board the ill-fated Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter were:


  • Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator


  • Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC)


  • Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate


  • Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala,


  • Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu,


  • Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The officials were en route to Obuasi on official duties when the helicopter went off radar and crashed, killing all eight on board.

A solemn reception ceremony was held at the Air Force Base in Accra on Thursday, August 7, to receive the remains, which had been airlifted from the crash site. The coffins, draped in the national flag, were received by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who led a government delegation including senior military officers and grieving family members.

The ceremony featured a moment of silence, prayers, and a heavy military presence, reflecting the depth of national mourning.

To honour the victims, the government has declared three days of national mourning, effective August 7. All flags are to be flown at half-mast, and official state events have been suspended during this period.

Meanwhile, public calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash are intensifying. The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has urged the government to commission a thorough inquiry, stressing the need to identify the root cause and implement preventive measures to avert future tragedies.