Remains of Military Helicopter Crash Victims Flown to South Africa for DNA Identification
The remains of the eight individuals who tragically perished in the military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, have been flown to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in proper identification ahead of state-sanctioned burials.
The samples, accompanied by a government delegation, were airlifted on Thursday, August 7, following a solemn prayer session held at the Kotoka International Airport. The session was attended by key government officials including Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and other dignitaries.
Leading the technical team to South Africa is the Head of Forensic Analysis at the CID, underlining the government’s commitment to ensuring accurate identification of the deceased through internationally accredited forensic protocols.
Speaking to the media shortly after the departure of the delegation, Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak expressed the government’s appreciation to the bereaved families for their patience and cooperation. “We want to thank the families sincerely for all the cooperation they have shown. It’s beyond burying; we are also trying to establish what happened so that we prevent it in the future,” he stated.
On his part, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh explained the decision to conduct the DNA testing abroad, noting that while local forensic efforts are ongoing, external confirmation remains necessary. “Even if anything at all is done in the country, sometimes it may require further confirmation outside the country and so that is exactly what we are doing,” he told TV3. “It is our prayer that the process is completed as soon as possible.”
In the wake of the tragic incident, the government has declared a three-day national mourning period in honour of the fallen. A wreath-laying ceremony was held on Thursday, August 7, at the Ceremonial Gardens of the Jubilee House, with the national flag ordered to be flown at half-mast.
Those who lost their lives in the crash include:
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr Samuel Sarpong, Senior Presidential Advisor
Mr Samuel Aboagye, National Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The Ghana Armed Forces has commenced preliminary investigations into the cause of the crash, with an official report expected in due course. Meanwhile, tributes from across the political divide and civil society continue to pour in for the departed officials.
Funeral arrangements, according to government sources, will be communicated after the completion of the DNA analysis and consultation with the respective families.
