Ghana Mourns as Two Brothers Laid to Rest After Tragic Aircraft Crash

Thousands of grief-stricken mourners gathered at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra on Saturday to bid a final farewell to brothers Frank Amoaning Donkor and Elijah Ofori Donkor, whose lives were cut short in a devastating microlight aircraft crash nearly two weeks ago.

The solemn burial service, held on March 28, followed a brief laying-in-state earlier in the morning. A church service filled with prayers, hymns, and quiet reflection preceded the interment, as family, friends, and sympathisers struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss. The overwhelming turnout underscored the deep national sorrow that has followed news of the tragedy.

Senior government officials, Members of Parliament from both sides of the aisle, and other dignitaries joined ordinary citizens in mourning, reflecting the widespread impact of the incident since it occurred on March 16.

The brothers were the only occupants aboard a microlight aircraft, registration number 9G-ADV, which crashed near a school park at Tema Community One while en route from Ho to Accra. Emergency responders confirmed both men died at the scene after the aircraft burst into flames upon impact.

Authorities reported that the aircraft lost radio contact shortly before the crash, at approximately 14:18 Zulu time. Firefighters who arrived at the scene revealed that teachers and pupils at a nearby daycare facility had evacuated just in time, narrowly averting further tragedy.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with officials yet to determine what led to the fatal incident. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority has pledged to provide updates as inquiries continue.

At the funeral grounds, an atmosphere of deep sorrow prevailed. Mourners, many clad in black, filed past in silence to pay their last respects, while gospel songs echoed through the venue, capturing both grief and hope.

In a statement issued ahead of the burial, the bereaved families described the brothers as “bright lights” whose absence has left an immeasurable void.

“Our hearts are heavy, but we are sustained by the kindness of the nation,” the statement read.

They also expressed gratitude to the public and state institutions for their support, and acknowledged the efforts of emergency responders, including the Ghana National Fire Service and aviation investigators, who managed the aftermath of the crash.

As the nation continues to mourn, the loss of the two brothers remains a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring weight of tragedy.