Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has urged Ghanaians to remain united and uphold the enduring values exemplified by the victims of the recent military helicopter crash.

Speaking at an Evening of Reflections and Memorial Ceremony on Saturday, August 9, he said the departed leaders and service members would want the nation to “wipe our tears” and carry forward the principles they embodied — patriotism, selfless leadership, bravery, and devotion to God and country.

“On this day, I am sure our comrades will be urging us to wipe our tears. They would be telling us to remain united as a people and as a nation.

"More importantly, they would be urging us to continue striving to live by the values they stood for and died for — the values of patriotism, selfless leadership, bravery, and service to their maker and country.

"This moment reminds us all of the spirit of oneness, the spirit we have shown and continue to show across the divide,” he said.

The crash, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; and five others, including senior military personnel.

As part of the three-day national mourning period declared by the President, the government has announced the burial rites for the two Muslim victims, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed.

By Islamic tradition, Janazah prayers will be held on Sunday, August 10, at 2:00 p.m. at the Forecourt of the State House, followed by burial at the Military Cemetery in Accra.

An inter-denominational state funeral for all eight victims is scheduled for Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square.

The deceased also include Dr Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.