Political Commentator Elvis Darko has called on the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to acknowledge procedural lapses in their handling of the victims’ remains from the August 6 military helicopter crash, warning that continued defence of controversial actions risks deepening public discontent.
Speaking on the matter, Mr. Darko said that the military’s use of sacks instead of body bags to transport the remains was avoidable if standard operating procedures had been strictly observed. He argued that under pressure, institutions like the Armed Forces must adhere to their protocols, especially in sensitive situations involving fatalities.
“Just admit that it was an oversight and that you were not prepared for the pressure at the time. By the time you got to the scene, even the President and everyone would have been calling the CDS to find out if you were there. But that is why institutions like the Armed Forces have standard operating procedures”
Elvis Darko, Political Commentator
The incident, which claimed eight lives, including three crew members and five high-profile personalities, sparked public outrage after viral videos showed the remains being transported in sacks. The military has maintained that body bags were available but could not be used due to “the condition of the bodies and the circumstances at the time.”
Mr. Darko, however, believes this explanation is counterproductive. “I will advise that the CDS and all others who speak on this issue desist from giving that excuse because nobody will buy it,” he said, urging GAF to drop what he described as an implausible “too hot for body bags” narrative, warning that such justifications erode public trust.
According to him, the tragedy caught the military off guard, leading to oversights in their operations. He maintained that admitting this reality would be more credible than defending a decision the public perceives as disrespectful to the victims, their families, and the nation as a whole.
Poor GAF Communications
The GAF’s public communications have been a recurring point of criticism since the accident. Observers have questioned why the military did not immediately hold a press briefing to address concerns, opting instead for delayed statements.
Mr. Darko emphasised that in high-pressure situations, clear and prompt communication is essential to maintaining public confidence.
The fatal crash occurred when a Ghana Armed Forces Z9 helicopter went down in the Eastern Region. Witness accounts reported delays in the military’s arrival at the scene, with civilians initially assisting in securing the area. While the Armed Forces have cited “logistical and operational challenges,” critics insist that better preparedness could have mitigated these delays.
Investigators have since recovered the aircraft’s black box, which is awaiting examination by the manufacturers and aviation safety experts. The findings are expected to shed light on the cause of the crash, which has raised broader concerns about the state of Ghana’s military aviation fleet and emergency response capacity.
In the meantime, the controversy over how the victims’ remains were handled continues to dominate public discourse. Mr. Darko stressed that acknowledging mistakes is not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of institutional accountability.
As the nation mourns those lost in the crash, calls for reforms in military crisis response procedures have intensified.
Stakeholders argue that beyond the investigation into the crash’s cause, there must be a parallel review of how the Armed Forces manage post-incident protocols to avoid a repeat of the public relations and procedural missteps witnessed in this case.
The August 6 disaster remains one of the deadliest military aviation accidents in recent Ghanaian history, and its handling will likely shape public perceptions of the GAF for years to come.
While the investigation unfolds, Mr. Darko’s appeal underscores a broader public demand for honesty, transparency, and adherence to best practices in moments of national tragedy.
