Sikaman Assemblyman Defends Use of Jute Sacks to Carry Remains of Crash Victims
- The Assemblyman for Sikaman Brofoyedu has defended the decision to use cocoa sacks to transport the remains of the victims of a recent crash near Obuasi
- A Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Sikaman Forest on August 6, killing eight people onboard, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah
- Videos from the aftermath of the crash showed the remains of the victims being carried out of the forested area in jute cocoa sacks, sparking much outrage
A member of the Sikaman Brofoyedu assembly has defended the decision to use jute sacks made for transporting cocoa to carry the remains of the eight victims of the recent helicopter crash.
Source: Facebook
Eight Ghanaians, including five high-ranking government officials, were killed in a helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.
According to a press release from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), an Air Force Z-9 helicopter took off from Accra at 9:12 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, en route to Obuasi.
The helicopter was declared missing after it went off radar, and a search effort was launched to find it.
It was later discovered to have crashed into the Sikaman Forest in the Adansi Akuofrom District of the Ashanti Region, killing everyone on board
The victims included two cabinet Ministers, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, videos and images of residents of Adansi carrying the remains of the victims in cocoa sacks sparked outrage online.
Adansi assembly explains use of jute sacks
In a video seen by YEN.com.gh, the Assemblyman for Sikaman Brofoyedu said the decision was made to use the jute cocoa sacks due to the temperature of the remains.
He said the remains of the deceased remained at a very high temperature from the fire caused by the crash, rendering the plastic bags carried by relief agencies or law enforcement unsuitable for the task at hand.
Source: TikTok
The Assemblyman said there was no ill intent behind the decision, but they took the best practical decision in the heat of the moment.
The TikTok video of the Assemblyman’s explanation is below.
Assemblyman’s explanation of jute sacks stirs reactions
YEN.com.gh compiled some reactions to the video of the Sikaman Assemblyman defending their decision to use jute sacks.
ManuelHopkins said:
"Even the government should give the assembly member something to sort the volunteer boys cause they did well."
....❤️ wrote:
"Oh no problem 😊. We are even grateful 🥹. God bless you."
Nurudeen Ba Habiba❤️ commented:
"You don't owe anyone an explanation my father. You did what needed to be done ✅."
Diana Afua Nelson said:
"You have done what human beings have to do in terms of emergency cases like this. Obuasi and Ghana are really proud of you🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰."
Eric Berchie wrote:
"Some just sit in the comfort of their rooms and criticise everything. You people did your best."
Julie Dandelion commented:
"But you have done nothing wrong. The problem is on the security personnel. Ghanaians should rather reward you people."
EFYA said:
"My question is, how were the eight of them able to fit into the sack, even though it was burnt?"
Sam George weeps at wreath wreath-laying ceremony
Previously, YEN.com.gh also reported that Communications Minister Sam George had wept during the wreath-laying event for the eight helicopter crash victims.
The Ningo Prampram MP was overcome with sorrow and wore his emotions openly while at the ceremonial grounds of the Jubilee House on Friday, August 8.
George was a close confidante and mentee of one of the victims, Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and has been deeply affected by his death.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
