Security analyst and retired military officer, Colonel Festus Aboagye, has questioned the handling of the burnt bodies carried in cocoa sacks after the military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, in Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking on News File on Saturday, August 9, 2025, as monitored by GhanaWeb, Col Aboagye criticised Ghana’s emergency response systems and lamented the country’s approach to disaster management.

“I am saying that for the purposes of dignity, somebody, national security, could have told his principals that we have secured the bodies, the remains. Can you please make available some decent material? I mean, assuming that they were in the sacks and they were covered with polythene, that would even have been fine,” he stated.

He also called for a cohesive national emergency response mechanism that prioritises both operational efficiency and the dignity of those affected.

“If any of us can imagine that before those pictures were taken off the screen, one of the children of these eight saw their father being carried in a cocoa sack, how would that child feel? It's like you have wasted your time serving your country,” he added.

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The other victims of the crash were Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chair of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Anala; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo.

A candlelight vigil and memorial service will be held at the forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in remembrance of the gallant men who died in the line of duty.

SP/MA