Deputy Chief of Staff, Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, has issued a strong appeal to media personnel and all accredited individuals to maintain decorum and respect the solemnity of an upcoming funeral service.
His reminder comes with a clear directive to avoid disruptive behavior, specifically the chasing of mourners for interviews or photos.
Addressing the media on the guidelines for the event, Mr. Dogbe emphasized that the nature of the ceremony demands the highest level of solemnity.
He stated, “We do not want to see anybody holding a phone or a monopod and struggling to chase people, chase mourners as they are coming in to come and sit down.” This warning underscores the need for restraint, especially for those granted access to the inner perimeter.
Key Guidelines for Media and Accredited Personnel
- Arrive Early: All media with accreditation should arrive well before the 7:30 a.m. service. This allows time to set up and complete technical checks for audio and TV feeds.
- Respectful Behavior: Uphold a high level of decorum and solemnity. Any behavior that distracts from the purpose of the ceremony, such as chasing mourners, is unacceptable.
- Avoid Disruption: Do not use phones or monopods to chase mourners. The focus should be on respectful coverage, not on disrupting the grieving process.
Funeral Service Details
The three-hour ceremony will include the reading of biographies and tributes from widows, children, government officials, and institutional representatives. The funeral service will honor victims of a tragic helicopter crash that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The crash claimed eight lives in total.
Those to be laid to rest on August 15 are:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong
- Mr. Samuel Aboagye
- Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Two other victims, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, were laid to rest on August 10, in accordance with Islamic funeral traditions. Following the service, the remains of the six victims will be taken to the military cemetery at Tse Addo for burial rites conducted by the Ghana Armed Forces and their respective churches.
The funeral is expected to draw a large number of government officials, dignitaries, and mourners as the nation pays its final respects.
