Cocoa Sacks Used in Tragedy Response: Ghana Armed Forces Explain Controversial Decision
Accra, Ghana – 14 August, 2025 – The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, has provided a detailed explanation for the use of cocoa sacks in transporting the remains of eight individuals who died in a military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
At a news briefing on Wednesday ,August 13 ,the CDS explained that the decision to use cocoa sacks was due to the severe burns on the bodies, which made it impossible to use the available body bags."We had some body bags at the scene, but the remains were so heated that it was not conducive for the bags to be used," he stated. The rescue team, operating deep in the forest and racing against nightfall, relied on available materials to remove the remains from the crash site.
Once the remains were brought down from the hillside, medical personnel placed them in body bags, which were then transported in ambulances to Kumasi. There, the remains were placed in coffins and draped in national colors, befitting their status as patriots of Ghana. The bodies were subsequently moved to Accra, where a reception was arranged in their honor.
“Let me say that all these things were done hurriedly. There might have been some mistakes. In the morning when the aircraft was taking off, nobody expected any such disaster. From the crash to Accra, it is possible, likely that some things were done that were not in conformity with our culture,” the CDS admitted.
The use of cocoa sacks to transport the remains has sparked criticism, with some questioning the dignity and respect afforded to the victims. Dr. Pet-Paul Wepeba, President of the Ghana Academy of Forensic Sciences, described the practice as "undignified" and a serious breach of protocols. He emphasized that international standards require specific equipment, such as body bags with zips, to ensure dignity and prevent public health risks.
The Ghana Armed Forces has launched a full-scale investigation into the crash, and Investigative Journalist Manasseh Azure has called for the investigation to include the handling of the remains in sacks. The incident has raised concerns about emergency preparedness and the need for improved protocols.
Meanwhile ,a state funeral for the victims is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra. The victims included prominent government officials, military personnel, and a former parliamentary candidate.
Source – Lead News Online/Jones Opoku
