Ahead of a state funeral scheduled for Friday morning,Deputy Chief of Staff Stanislav Xoese Dogbe has issued a firm directive to members of the media: maintain decorum and avoid disrupting the solemn proceedings honoring six victims of last week’s military helicopter crash.
In a press briefing outlining preparations for the high-profile ceremony, Mr. Dogbe cautioned accredited journalists, particularly those granted access to the inner perimeter, against inappropriate conduct, including the pursuit of mourners with mobile phones or recording equipment.
“We do not want to see tomorrow anybody holding a phone or a monopod and struggling to chase people, chase mourners as they are coming in to come and sit down,” he stated. “We expect a very high level of decorum and solemnity.”
The directive comes as national attention turns toward the funeral, set to begin at 7:30 a.m. and expected to draw senior government officials, military personnel, and hundreds of mourners. Media personnel were advised to arrive early to complete technical checks before the service commences.
The three-hour ceremony will include the reading of biographies for the six deceased, as well as tributes from family members, colleagues, and state officials. The individuals being laid to rest are:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
Dr. Samuel Sarpong
Mr. Samuel Aboagye
Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Two other victims—Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna—were buried earlier on August 10, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Following the ceremony, the remains of the six will be transported to the Military Cemetery at Tse Addo for burial. Interment rites will be jointly administered by the Ghana Armed Forces and the respective churches of the deceased.
The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, resulted in the deaths of eight individuals. Authorities have not yet released a full investigation report into the cause of the incident.
As the nation prepares to bid farewell, Mr. Dogbe reiterated the importance of honoring the moment with the respect it deserves. “We must comport ourselves and respect the guidelines,” he said. “This is not just an event—it is a national moment of mourning.”
