The Ghana Police Service has unveiled comprehensive traffic and security arrangements for Friday’s state funeral honouring the victims of the August 6 helicopter crash. The ceremony will take place at Independence Square, with measures aimed at ensuring smooth movement and public safety.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, August 14, Chief Superintendent Alexander Obeng, Director of Education and Training at the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD), said officers would be deployed from Thursday afternoon to maintain order ahead of the event.
“From today at midday, traffic police officers will be stationed around Independence Square through the night and into tomorrow to ensure a free flow of traffic for mourners, family members, and all attendees,” he stated.
Traffic Control Plan
Traffic management will begin at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15, covering routes from La, Labone, and Osu through Independence Square into the Central Business District. The operation will be flexible, with diversions implemented as needed to prevent congestion.
Key diversions include:
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From La Road – Motorists may be redirected onto Oxford Street in Osu.
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Approaching from Castle Road, Ministries, Makola, or James Town – Drivers could be rerouted via Castle Road to Independence Avenue through the National Theatre toward Kinbu.
Parking Arrangements
The Agric Car Park outside Black Star Square will serve as the main public parking area, while designated VIP and VVIP spaces will be provided behind the Arch and in front of the State House. Additional capacity will be available at the Afua Switzerland area.
Vehicle Recovery Measures
Police towing and recovery trucks will be on standby to remove any abandoned, disabled, or improperly parked vehicles. Such vehicles will be relocated to the Central MTTD office at Tudu for collection.
Funeral Schedule
The burial of two Muslim victims — former Minister for Environment Dr. Ibrahim Muhammed Murtala and former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed — took place on Sunday, August 10, at the forecourt of the State House.
On Friday, August 15, the remaining crash victims will be laid to rest:
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Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
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Dr. Samuel Sarpong
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Mr. Samuel Aboagye
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Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala
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Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
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Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah