The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General William Agyapong, has explained why cocoa sacks were used to carry the remains of eight people who died in the August 6 helicopter crash.

The military has been harshly criticised for how the remains of the deceased were carried in a cocoa sack.

Speaking during a visit by executives of the Ghana Journalists Association on Wednesday, August 13, Major General Agyapong said the decision was necessary because the victims’ bodies were severely burnt, making standard body bags unsuitable.

He noted that while some body bags were available at the crash site, the extreme heat damage to the remains made them impractical to use.

“It was in the thick forest, and it was getting late. We had the option of leaving the remains there until the following day, but we knew what would have happened to the bodies. So, the team decided to use the available materials to move them to higher ground,” he explained.

The CDS stressed that the rescue team operated under extremely difficult conditions and could not leave the remains at the crash site overnight.

He also confirmed that search operations were still underway to ensure all remains and parts of the aircraft were recovered.

“As I speak, personnel on the ground are expanding the search daily because we do not yet know the full extent of the wreckage,” he added.