Investigative Journalist Condemns Use of Cocoa Sacks for Remains
On August 8, 2025, investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni demanded sanctions against those who allowed the remains of eight victims of the August 6 Z9 helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom to be transported in cocoa sacks. In a social media post, he called the act “carelessness” that dishonors the deceased and Ghana’s dignity.
The crash killed Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Murtala Mohammed, and six others en route to an Obuasi mining event. Azure, grieving three personal friends among the victims, urged the Ghana Armed Forces’ investigation to probe whose negligence permitted civilians to handle remains disrespectfully, especially if officials were present.
President John Mahama, who declared three days of national mourning, announced a state funeral for August 15 at Black Star Square, Accra, with condolence books opened for the victims, including NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong and three Air Force officers. The remains were flown to South Africa for forensic analysis on August 7.
Azure, facilitating a media training during the tragedy, expressed numbness and avoided media discussions. His call for accountability aligns with his anti-corruption work, including exposés that led to the cancellation of contracts worth millions. The incident has sparked outrage over Ghana’s disaster response protocols, amplifying scrutiny of the management of the crash site.
The GAF’s ongoing probe, supported by the Ghana National Fire Service, investigates possible causes like adverse weather or technical failure. Azure’s demand for sanctions underscores the need for systemic reforms to ensure dignity in handling national tragedies, as Ghana mourns its worst air disaster in over a decade.