Lieutenant General William Agyapong is the Chief of Defence Staff
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has dismissed claims that body bags were unavailable at the scene of the recent helicopter crash, which claimed eight lives, including three military personnel.
The clarification was given on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, during a visit by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong.
He explained that challenging conditions at the crash site made the use of body bags impossible.
“We had some body bags at the scene, but the remains were so heated and not conducive for the bags to be used. It was in a thick forest, and it was getting late. We had the option of leaving the remains there until the following day, but we knew what would have happened to the bodies,” he said.
Helicopter Crash: ‘If any offensive remarks have come from our side, forgive us’ – NPP to NDC
Lieutenant General Agyapong also confirmed that search operations were still ongoing to ensure all remains and parts of the aircraft were recovered.
“As I speak, personnel on the ground are expanding the search daily because we do not yet know the full extent of the wreckage,” he added.
The fatal crash claimed the lives of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, along with five others.
A state funeral for the victims is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.
Dedicated family man and compassionate leader’ – Abena Osei-Asare mourns Dr Omane Boamah
Watch the video below:
Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. William Agyapong reveals why standard body bags couldn’t be used for helicopter crash victims, citing extreme heat and urgent recovery needs.#OnuaFM #OnuaNews #OnuaOnline pic.twitter.com/OejwIMUAal
— Onua FM (@onua951fm) August 13, 2025
JKB/MA
