The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Obuasi West, Faustilove Appiah Kannin, has addressed public concerns over the handling of the remains of eight victims from the August 6 military helicopter crash.
Some Ghanaians have criticized the use of sacks to transport the bodies, calling it “undignified” and at odds with both Ghana’s disaster protocols and international standards. and have suggested that proper, sealed body bags should have been used.
In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Madam Kannin defended the approach, citing the extreme heat and the condition of the remains as major obstacles. “Even the body bags we requested could not withstand the heat at the site. The material melted when the remains were placed inside. We had no other option,” she explained. She added that several body bags supplied by AngloGold Ashanti Hospital were rendered unusable by the temperatures.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash, including whether adverse weather contributed to the tragedy. The incident claimed the lives of Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, and three military personnel: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manean Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
A state burial service, spanning multiple religious denominations, is scheduled for Friday, August 15. President John Mahama has also announced an Education Fund to support the children of those who perished.
