The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on Wednesday defended the controversial use of sacks to transport the remains of victims from a fatal helicopter crash, saying body bags could not be used due to the extreme condition of the bodies.
The crash, which occurred on August 6 in a remote forested area, claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two senior government ministers and three military personnel. Videos circulating on social media sparked public outrage after showing responders carrying victims’ remains in makeshift sacks rather than standard body bags.
Speaking during a visit by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong addressed the criticism, asserting that body bags were indeed present at the crash site. However, he said that the remains were “too hot” from the post-crash fire and unsuitable for standard bags.
“We had body bags at the scene, but the remains were so heated that it was not conducive for their use,” Lt. Gen. Agyapong said. “It was getting late, the terrain was rugged, and the site had already been secured. Our personnel had to make real-time decisions using the materials available on the ground.”
The Z-9 military helicopter had departed from Accra at 9:12 a.m. local time, en route to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining operation, when it went off radar. An immediate search-and-rescue mission was launched. The aircraft was later found destroyed in a forested area, with no survivors.
Among those killed were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator. The crew included Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The military said the decision to retrieve the remains immediately—despite challenging conditions—was made to prevent further deterioration overnight.
At the time of recovery, “the team had to ascend steep terrain to reach the site,” Lt. Gen. Agyapong added. “They did so with what they had. At the base of the hill, they met the medical team for onward transfer.”
He also confirmed that the aircraft’s black box has been recovered and is awaiting analysis by aviation experts and the helicopter's manufacturers.
In response to the tragedy, the Ghanaian government declared a three-day national mourning period, which included a memorial service on August 9 and a state funeral scheduled for Friday, August 15 at Black Star Square in Accra.
Lt. Gen. Agyapong noted that the recovery was one of the swiftest in Ghana’s aviation history, emphasizing the professionalism and urgency with which the Armed Forces responded.
While investigations continue into the cause of the crash, officials say the focus remains on honoring the victims and providing closure to their families.
