Ghana Holds State Funeral for Victims of Helicopter Crash
Ghana has come to a temporal solemn standstill today as the nation bids farewell to eight patriots who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter crash at Adansi in the Ashanti Region.
The state funeral, which began at 8 a.m. at the Black Star Square in Accra has pooled the country’s leadership, bereaved families, members of the security services, and citizens from all walks of life in a united show of grief and respect.
President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, senior government officials, and representatives of the diplomatic community are among those in attendance, paying their final respects to the fallen.
The atmosphere is steeped in sorrow and reflection, with flags flying at half-mast and traditional dirges accompanying the ceremony. Religious leaders from various faiths have offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased and comfort for their families.
The eight victims, who were serving the nation at the time of the accident, have been hailed as heroes whose dedication to duty exemplified the highest ideals of patriotism. The crash, which occurred during a routine operation, has left the nation deeply shaken and has sparked calls for a review of safety measures in the country’s aviation operations.
As the coffins, draped in the national colours, were laid in state, tributes highlighted the selflessness, professionalism, and service of the deceased, whose loss has been described as a heavy blow to the nation.
The bodies will be interred later today following full military honours, marking the end of a week of national mourning and the beginning of a long healing process for the families and the country at large.
