The Black Star Square is filled with the sounds of military trumpets as personnel practice for the solemn state burial of six of the eight victims of last Wednesday’s tragic helicopter accident.
The final funeral rites for these six individuals are scheduled for August 15, following the burial of former Environment Minister Dr. Murtala Mohammed and former Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Limuna last Sunday, in accordance with Islamic customs.
Stan Dogbe, the Deputy Chief of Staff responsible for Operations, stated that the ceremony, led by the military, will strictly adhere to all protocols and bestow full state honors upon the deceased.
He mentioned that large crowds are anticipated and reassured that appropriate security measures have been implemented to ensure order.
“Tributes from various organizations that the deceased served or were connected to will be delivered during the pre-burial segment before 9 a.m. After the service, the bodies of the six individuals will be transported to the military cemetery at Tse Addo, where the Ghana Armed Forces, along with the churches of the deceased, will oversee the burial,” Mr. Dogbe elaborated.
“Given the significant turnout expected tomorrow, preparations have been made to facilitate a very solemn event,” he continued.
Mr. Dogbe also announced that Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has instructed that all institutional contributions toward the funeral be fairly distributed among the families of the eight victims.
In further comments, Chief Superintendent Alexander Kwaku Obeng, the Director of Research, Education, and Training at the Police MTTD, indicated that key access routes to Independence Square will be regulated to prevent traffic congestion, with tow trucks positioned to assist in traffic management.
“The service will primarily take on a military nature. The Ghana Armed Forces will transport our fallen heroes from the morgue to the Black Star Square and then to the military cemetery following the funeral service. The chaplaincy of the Ghana Armed Forces will lead the service, with support from civilian clergy,” Supt. Obeng noted.
“Burying six fallen heroes simultaneously is distinct from burying a single individual. There will be specialized arrangements and innovations at the cemetery to guarantee our heroes receive the utmost respect from the state,” he added.
The burial will signify a final goodbye to the eight individuals who tragically lost their lives in the accident, with the ceremony anticipated to attract both national and international attention.