National Grief as Thousands Gather for Funeral of Brothers Killed in Tema Microlight Aircraft Crash

On March 28, 2026, the State House Forecourt in Accra became a site of profound national mourning as thousands gathered to pay their final respects to Captain Frank Amoaning Donkor and his brother, Elijah Ofori Donkor. The siblings tragically lost their lives on March 16, 2026, when their microlight aircraft crashed in Tema Community One. The funeral service, characterized by a sea of mourners dressed in traditional red and black, drew a diverse crowd of family members, aviation professionals, and high-ranking government officials, all united in grief for the two men described by loved ones as "bright lights" taken too soon. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as family members shared heartfelt tributes. The brothers' sister delivered a moving eulogy, describing Frank and Elijah as "pieces of her soul" and recalling the deep bond and joy they brought into her life despite the unbearable weight of their sudden departure. Their father also shared a poignant account of his final moments and conversations with his sons just before the fatal flight. To offer comfort to the bereaved, legendary gospel icons Elder Mireku and Jack Alolomi led the congregation in worship, their music providing a spiritual sanctuary for the thousands in attendance. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, who attended the ceremony along with several Members of Parliament, emphasized the national significance of the loss. Addressing the mourners, the Speaker pledged Parliament’s full support for the ongoing investigations into the crash. He stressed the importance of uncovering the exact circumstances of the incident—initially suspected to be caused by engine failure—to ensure that such a tragedy never repeats itself. Bagbin noted that the crash had not only devastated the family but also caused significant trauma to local teachers and pupils in the Tema area who witnessed the event. As the Donkor brothers were laid to rest, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority continues its technical probe into the accident. The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation regarding aviation safety and the maintenance of light aircraft in the country. While the funeral provided a moment for collective mourning and reflection on the brothers' significant impact on their community and the aviation sector, the nation now looks toward the investigative findings for closure and the implementation of improved safety protocols.