Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie says the eight Ghanaians who died in the August 6 military helicopter crash left “at a time least expected,” reminding the nation that life is fleeting.

In a tribute on behalf of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service at the state funeral at the Black Star Square, he described the fallen as “eight radiant stars whose light illuminated our nation’s path,” and lamented their sudden passing.

“The cruel hands of fate have plucked from our midst eight dedicated sons of our motherland,” he said, adding that their loss should inspire Ghanaians to approach every duty with “utmost dedication, diligence and love for country.”

He hailed their work as environmental stewards in the fight against illegal mining and pledged the Judiciary’s continued commitment to prosecuting environmental cases.

"It is in this regard that the Judiciary and Judicial Service of Ghana, pledge to continue to play their part in the prosecution of all environmental cases without fear or favour, bearing in mind, that there is need to be alive and healthy to continue to uphold the rule of law in the democratic journey and also as a contribution to protection of life of all manner of persons."

“To His Excellency the President, the Government, the Ghana Armed Forces, the families of the fallen eight, this is not a sad moment for you alone; the Judicial Service of Ghana is equally devastated,” he said.

“May the souls of the eight departed, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace.”

The eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in the helicopter crash include Minister for Environment Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.