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.

President John Dramani Mahama continues to enjoy strong public support, maintaining a 67% approval rating, according to a new poll by Global InfoAnalytics.

The survey released on March 25, 2026, showed that only 26% of voters disapprove of his performance, though it was a slight increase from 24% recorded in December 2025, while approval remains unchanged.

Support for President Mahama, according to the survey, spans all regions, including traditional opposition strongholds.

In the Ashanti Region, which is the stronghold of the opposition, New Patriotic Party (NPP), the poll showed that 56% of voters approve of his performance, while approval stands at 64% in the Eastern Region and 65% in the North East Region.

The poll also indicates that a majority of party affiliates back the president’s performance, except for supporters of the NPP.

In the direction of the country, 65% of respondents in the survey noted that Ghana is headed in the right direction, though there was a marginal drop from 66% in the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, 28% believe the country is on the wrong path, up from 24%, while those with no opinion declined from 10% to 7%.

Living standards appear to have improved for many Ghanaians, with 58% of voters saying their conditions are better than a year ago, compared to 16% who report a decline.

However, optimism about the future has dipped slightly. The poll found that 68% of voters expect their standard of living to improve over the next 12 months, down from 70% in the previous quarter, suggesting growing unease over potential inflationary pressures linked to the Middle East conflict.

Adukromhene and Okerehene who doubles as Akuapem Nifahene Ahunuabobrim Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V has urged diasporans to help build the future of okere through development and unity.

Speaking at the Okere/Akuapem Nifaman nationals living in the United Kingdom at London Landmark Hotel, he called on Adukrom Tufuhene Nana Ayisi Koranteng and okere nationals in diaspora to help him develop Okere,Adukrom and Akuapem as a whole.

According to him this year marks ten (10) years of his Kingdom as Adukromhene,he has since initiated several developmental projects which includes building unity amongst the chiefs and people of Okere as unity is a key drive towards attaining developmental goals of the area.

Through his initiatives of cultural preservation he has supported the state book programme where there is documentation of the history and traditions of each okere principal towns.

As part of his infrastructure and development, he has renovated the Adukrom market,constructed an ultramodern toilet facility at the market, renovated the Nifa Basic school and massive renovation of Nifa senior high school through some diasporans.

Finally he has he initiated the Osuodumgya educational fund where he support needy and vulnerable but brilliant students in the okere District.

He has therefore encouraged the Diasporans to have investment partnership with the traditional authority on local businesses such as tourism and agribusiness which is the economic drive of the local economy of Okere.

He used the opportunity to call for all to support the traditional authority of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Ahunabobrim Osudumgya Otutu Ababio V ( Adukromhene & Okerehene / Akuapem Nirahene ) and the 200th anniversary of the Akuapem Odwira festival of the Katamanso War. This Historic milestones, marked by vibrant cultural, traditional and community activities, requires diaspora unity, participation and financial support to ensure a memorable event.

Filed by Odiyifo Yaw Charles.