The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has directed that flags at all public buildings across Ghana be restored to full mast following the conclusion of the state funeral and burial of the eight victims of the August 6 helicopter crash.
In an earlier directive on August 6, flags were ordered to be flown at half-mast nationwide to mourn the victims of the deadly crash. The final funeral rites were held on Friday, August 15, paving the way for the lifting of the mourning period.
A statement issued on Monday, August 18, by the Minister of Government Communications and presidential spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the decision was taken “mindful of our collective grief and the honour we have paid to those we have lost.”
The statement further conveyed the appreciation of President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and the government to the people of Ghana and all groups that showed solidarity during the tragedy.
“We are deeply moved by the outpouring of solidarity shown across the nation and beyond. Your messages of sympathy, your attendance at the state funeral, your practical assistance, and the many acts of kindness extended to the bereaved families have provided great consolation in this time of sorrow,” the statement read.
The Presidency also acknowledged the role of corporate organisations, traditional leaders, the clergy, Muslim clerics, civil society, security services, the diplomatic community, and ordinary Ghanaians who came together to support the families of the victims.
“We especially thank those who worked tirelessly, as well as the corporate organisations that supported efforts to ensure that the victims were accorded a dignified and befitting Ghanaian burial — a fitting farewell that honours their memory and reflects the compassion of our people,” it added.
The government urged citizens to continue offering comfort and prayers to the affected families as the nation returns to its development agenda under the #ResettingGhana initiative.
“Let us remain united in prayer, comfort one another, and continue to support the families affected by this tragedy,” the statement concluded.
