Thousands of mourners at State House for brothers killed in Tema microlight aircraft crash
Thousands attend funeral of brothers killed in Tema microlight aircraft crash.
Thousands of mourners converged on the Forecourt of the State House in Accra on Saturday for the burial service of brothers Frank Amoaning Donkor and Elijah Ofori Donkor, who died in a microlight aircraft crash in Tema nearly two weeks ago.
The funeral, held on March 28, followed a brief laying-in-state earlier in the morning, after which a church service was conducted before the interment. The large turnout reflected the widespread public reaction that followed news of the crash, with attendees drawn from across the country.
Among those present were senior government officials, Members of Parliament from both sides of the House and other dignitaries, signalling the national attention the incident has attracted since it occurred on March 16.
The brothers were among two occupants on board a microlight aircraft, with registration number 9G-ADV, which crashed near a school park at Tema Community One while travelling from Ho to Accra. Emergency services confirmed that both men died at the scene after the aircraft caught fire on impact.
Authorities said the crash occurred shortly after the aircraft lost radio contact at about 14:18 Zulu time. Firefighters who responded to the incident indicated that teachers and pupils at a nearby daycare facility had already evacuated before the blaze spread, preventing further casualties.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with officials yet to determine the circumstances that led to the incident. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority has indicated that further updates will be provided as inquiries progress.
At the funeral grounds, religious leaders led prayers and scripture readings, while gospel musicians provided hymns during the service. Mourners, many dressed in black, moved in an orderly manner to pay their last respects.
In a statement issued ahead of the burial, the families described the deceased as “bright lights” and expressed appreciation for the support received from the public and state institutions.
“Our hearts are heavy, but we are sustained by the kindness of the nation,” the statement said.
The families also acknowledged the role played by emergency response agencies, including the Ghana National Fire Service and aviation investigators, in handling the aftermath of the crash.
