Ghana to Hold State Funeral for Helicopter Crash Victims on Friday, August 15

Ghana will hold a solemn state funeral on Friday, August 15, 2025, to honor the victims of the tragic helicopter crash that occurred on August 6. The ceremony, led by the Ghana Armed Forces, will take place at Black Star Square in Accra, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Stan Dogbe, outlined the three-part structure of the event:

Pre-Burial Service (7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.):

Quran recitations

Institutional eulogies

Tributes from family, colleagues, and government officials

Main Funeral Service:

Arrival of Vice-President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang at 8:50 a.m.

Arrival of President John Dramani Mahama at 9:00 a.m.

Biographies of the six victims yet to be buried will be read

Burial:

Bodies will be transported to the Military Cemetery at Burma Camp for interment.

Heavy security will be deployed, not only due to the presence of high-ranking officials but also to ensure the safety of mourners.

Seating will be labeled, and attendees are urged to remain under designated canopies.

Only accredited media personnel will be allowed within the inner perimeter; others will access clean audio and video feeds from designated media stands.

The crash, which claimed multiple lives, has plunged the nation into mourning. Friday’s ceremony is expected to draw dignitaries, military personnel, and grieving families from across the country.

Stan Dogbe emphasized the importance of maintaining a solemn atmosphere throughout the event, urging all attendees to arrive early and adhere to protocol.