The Government of Ghana has laid to rest six out of the eight victims of the Adansi helicopter crash after holding a state funeral at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15.

The deceased were Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

Among the eight victims, two Muslims — Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed — were laid to rest earlier, on Sunday, August 10, where Janazah prayers were also held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra before they were buried at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo.

At today's state burial, tributes were read by the bereaved families, who expressed the love and peace they felt while living with the deceased.

On his part, President John Mahama eulogised each of the victims, revealing their contributions and outstanding characteristics.

"Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence — a trusted friend, a man of sharp intellect and deep conviction. As Minister, he began bold reforms to modernize our Armed Forces, enhance their capabilities, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. His energy, clarity of vision, and patriotism were unmatched.

Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology — passionate, eloquent, and deeply committed to protecting Ghana’s environment while advancing scientific innovation. He believed the fight for our planet’s future was also the fight for Ghana’s future.

Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna, Deputy National Security Coordinator — calm, discreet, and courageous. His work, much of it unseen, played a vital role in safeguarding the peace and stability of our Republic.

Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress — a man of humility and loyalty, respected by colleaguesand opponents alike. He was a tireless organizer and a faithful servant of our democracy.

Samuel Aboagye — a young and promising politician, who served as Deputy DirectorGeneral of NADMO with dedication and pride. He loved and cherished the opportunity to serve his country wholeheartedly.

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — The three gallantcrew members of the Ghana Armed Forces were disciplined, highly skilled airmen whose lives were defined by the military values ofhonour, courage, and commitment.

They were the silent guardians of our skies, ensuring the safety of every mission they undertook. Each of these men had a story. Each had a family they cherished, a vision they pursued, and a heart that beat with love for Ghana," the president said.

He announced the posthumous promotions of the three officers with the Ghana Air Force.

Squadron Leader Peter Analaa, Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo have been promoted posthumously, elevating them to their next ranks as a tribute to their commitment, professionalism, and sacrifice.

Their new ranks are Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala, Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Mensah Addo Ernest.

The president also announced the creation of an Educational Children's Support Fund for cater for the wellfare of the children of the deceased.

It was a solemn and heartwarming ceremony that saw families and friends, as well as mourners and representatives of international organisations from near and far, in attendance.

After the interfaith funeral service was held at the Black Star Square, the gathering proceeded to Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Greater Accra Region, where a burial ceremony took place.

Taking turns, the president, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the families of the deceased, Ghana Armed Forces, government officials, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other dignitaries laid wreaths in memory of the victims of the tragic incident.

Meanwhile, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the relevant authorities in the United States of America have expressed interest in aiding the government of Ghana in getting to the bottom of the Z9 airforce helicopter crash on August 6 that claimed the lives of eight (8) individuals, including Ministers of State.

Engaging the media on August 14, the Foreign Minister noted that a request was only made after an order by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.

"I can confirm to you that on the instruction of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, we have formally requested the Americans to come in and assist. We all know that they have considerable expertise when it comes to these matters, and so the indication we have received from the Americans is that they are very much willing to assist.

The minister added that “we are expecting the arrival of American experts soon to help us with the investigations.”

Emphazing the need for independent experts, Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa explained that it is to “ensure that the outcome of the investigations will be acceptable to all, so that there will also be confidence in the process.”

"It is important that this process is done in a very thorough manner, in a manner that will be at par with best practice, the international gold standard. That is what President Mahama wants us to achieve. So I can assure you that our note has long been issued," he added.

Already, President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the airforce helicopter Z9 have been retrieved. He made this known when he addressed the nation on Thursday night, August 7, a day after the tragic incident.

The Ghana Armed Forces has already begun investigations into the incident, the Deputy Minister for Defence, Brogya Genfi, announced on August 13.

In his interaction with the media, the Foreign Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa did not indicate the exact institution in the United States that has been engaged.

In the U.S., the main authority that investigates plane crashes is the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation—railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space.

​​S​​​ince its inception in 1967, the NTSB has investigated more than 153,000 ​​aviation accidents and thousands of surface transportation events. The NTSB investigates accidents and events to determine their probable cause, examine safety issues, and develop recommendations to prevent similar accidents and events in the future. The Board has issued more than 15,500 safety recommendations to more than 2,470 recipients in all transportation modes. The recommended action has been implemented for 82 percent of the over 12,700 recommendations that have been closed.

In Ghana, the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) handles the investigation of plane crashes.

On 6th July, 2020, former President Nana Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the laying in Parliament of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Bill, 2020, pursuant to which an autonomous Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau shall be established as an institution for the conduct of investigations into aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

According to the AIB, Article 26 of the Chicago Convention requires every State in which an aviation accident occurs to investigate the event. Sequel to this convention, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13 requires that the investigation must be professionally done and devoid of any interferences and biases.

The capacity for the investigatory body must not only be legal, but also well structured, resourced and autonomous in its operations and findings. Additionally, in 2019, when ICAO conducted a Validation Mission to test Ghana’s level of Effective Implementation (EI) of ICAO SARPs, Ghana obtained an EI score of 89.89 percent.