The Ghana Police Service has announced the temporary closure of selected roads in Accra on Friday, 15 August 2025, to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow during the Inter-Denominational and Inter-Faith State Funeral for victims of the military helicopter crash.
The solemn ceremony, to be held at Independence Square, will honour the eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in the tragic August 6 incident, including two cabinet ministers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 14 August 2025, the Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi, said the road closures and diversions were necessary to facilitate the event’s security arrangements and allow for the safe movement of dignitaries, participants, and mourners.
According to the police, the affected roads will include 28th February Road from the CEPS Traffic Light Intersection to Castle Road Junction, the Osu Cemetery Traffic Light on Lokko Street, Castle Road from the African Union (AU) to the Osu Cemetery Traffic Light, and Starlet 91 Road, which will be closed at the Ministries Traffic Light Intersection.
Traffic diversions have also been outlined to minimise inconvenience to motorists. Vehicles from La, Labone, and Osu on the 28th February Road heading towards the Accra Central Business District or the Ministries will be redirected onto Salem Avenue Road at the Castle Traffic Light, linking up with Oxford Street.
Motorists from Lokko Street heading towards Castle Road will be diverted via Ajumaku Street and Oxford Street in Osu. Those travelling from the John Evans Atta Mills High Street towards Black Star Square will be redirected onto Liberia Road at the CEPS Traffic Intersection towards the National Theatre Traffic Light Intersection.
Similarly, vehicles from AU Circle towards Castle Road through the Osu Cemetery Traffic Light will be diverted onto Abdul Diouf and King Hassan Roads to connect with Abdul Nasser Road near the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ).
Parking Arrangements
In terms of parking arrangements, the police stated that only vehicles with approved RED VVIP entry stickers affixed to their windscreens will be permitted to access and park within the Black Star Square arena.
Designated parking locations include the Black Star Square for VVIP and VIP guests, the forecourt of the State House, the International Conference Centre, Access Bank Car Park, the Osu Cemetery Car Park, the Accra Sports Stadium Car Park, and several areas within the Ministries enclave, such as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Car Park, Marine Drive Football Park, and Afua Sutherland Car Park.
The police cautioned that vehicles will not be allowed to park in unauthorized areas or pass through restricted routes. Security vehicles and those transporting dignitaries will only be permitted entry after thorough checks.
Traffic police officers will be stationed to direct motorists to appropriate car parks and alternate routes, while towing and recovery trucks will be on standby to remove any abandoned, disabled, or wrongly parked vehicles.
“The general public, especially motorists, are once again urged to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies to ensure effective traffic management and control”.
Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi
The Inter-Denominational and Inter-Faith State Funeral is expected to draw attendance from high-ranking government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the clergy, traditional leaders, the security services, and the general public.
It will serve as both a national moment of mourning and a public show of solidarity with the families of the deceased. The helicopter crash, which occurred on 6 August 2025, claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two senior members of government.
The incident has plunged the nation into grief and prompted widespread tributes to the victims for their service and dedication to Ghana. Friday’s state funeral will include religious observances from multiple faiths, reflecting the diversity and unity of the Ghanaian nation.
Security and protocol arrangements are being coordinated between the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, and other state agencies to ensure that the event proceeds without incident.
ACP Ansah-Akrofi concluded by calling for patience and understanding from the public, noting that the measures being implemented are intended to safeguard the dignity of the solemn occasion while maintaining public order.
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