The government has released a detailed programme for the state funeral of the August 6 military helicopter crash victims, scheduled for Friday, August 15, at Independence Square.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, August 14, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Stan Dogbey, said the event would be primarily a military service led by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and structured into three main segments.
Funeral Structure and Timings
Mr. Dogbey explained that the ceremony would begin with a pre-burial session from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., during which tributes and Qur’an recitations would take place. Institutional tributes, as well as messages from colleagues, families, and senior government officials, would be delivered during this period.
The Vice President is expected to arrive at 8:50 a.m., followed by the President at 9:00 a.m., which will mark the start of the official state service. The service, lasting approximately three hours, will feature biographies of the eight departed, tributes from widows and children, and other formal honours.
Burial Arrangements
Following the state service, the six victims yet to be interred will be taken to the military cemetery at Tse Addo for burial. The GAF, in collaboration with the respective churches of the deceased, will conduct the graveside rites.
The two Muslim victims — former Minister for Environment Dr. Ibrahim Muhammed Murtala and former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed — were laid to rest on Sunday, August 10, at the Forecourt of the State House.
Crowd Management and Seating
Given the large turnout expected, Mr. Dogbey said extensive measures had been put in place to ensure order and solemnity. Thousands of chairs will be arranged under clearly labelled canopies to accommodate mourners, families, and dignitaries.
“We entreat the public to arrive early and work with protocol and security officials to find their seats. The inner perimeter will be locked off to mourners, who are expected to remain under their designated canopies throughout the service,” he emphasised.
Security Measures
Heavy security deployment will be in place, not only for the President and Vice President but also for the safety of all attendees. Mourners arriving by car will be required to alight at designated drop-off points and park in assigned areas.
Transport to the Cemetery
To ease congestion, buses will be provided for the six families and select mourners heading to the military cemetery. This measure aims to reduce traffic along the route and at the burial site.
Media Accreditation
Mr. Dogbey confirmed that only accredited journalists would be allowed into the special media zone within the inner perimeter. Access will be limited to accredited photographers and camera operators, while reporters and other media personnel will remain outside this restricted area.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem