A state burial was held yesterday at the Forecourt of the State House for the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Muhammed Murtala, and the late Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, who perished in the Ghana Air Force helicopter crash in the Adansi-Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025.
The two were among eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in the national tragedy, which has plunged the country into deep mourning.
The other victims are National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman, Dr. Samuel Sarpong; Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; and former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, Samuel Aboagye.
The rest are Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – all serving officers of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The burial drew high-profile dignitaries, including President John Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin; NDC Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia; and the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu.
In line with Islamic tradition, Janazah prayers were offered for the victims at the Forecourt of the State House before the bodies were conveyed to the Military Cemetery at Tse Addo in Accra for interment at 2:30 p.m.
The ceremony was attended by Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, military personnel, family members, friends, and traditional and religious leaders.
While the two Muslim victims were buried yesterday, a larger inter-denominational state funeral for all eight crash victims is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025 at the Black Star Square.
Reflections and National Mourning
The burial came two days after an Evening of Reflections and Memorial Service held at the same venue, where President Mahama urged Ghanaians to turn their grief into a renewed commitment to national unity and development.
“These were more than just names in news reports. They were dedicated public servants, united by their commitment to Ghana’s success,” the President said.
President Mahama called for collective mourning and national healing, asserting that the tragedy underscored the fragility of life and the importance of standing together in times of loss.
“We come together not as divided factions but as one family. Their deaths call on us all to renew our commitment to building the Ghana they envisioned: a nation of justice, opportunity, and prosperity for all,” he noted.
The President paid tribute to each of the eight victims.
DNA Results
Meanwhile, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed the completion of DNA testing for all eight victims.
At a short handing-over ceremony, Mr. Akandoh expressed deep appreciation to the Empire Foundation for safeguarding the samples and supporting the process.
He said eight DNA samples, taken from the bones of the victims, were flown to South Africa for advanced forensic analysis to ensure accurate identification of the severely burnt remains recovered from the crash site.
“We had about eight samples three days ago, and yesterday (Saturday), by the grace of God, we received the results of the two Muslims, which enabled us to perform the necessary rites today (Sunday). This is the final batch of the six remaining,” the minister said.
He added that, in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s announcement, the state burial ceremony will take place on Friday, August 15, 2025 at the Forecourt of the State House.
“I will hand over the results to the IGP for safe keeping,” he stated.
By Ernest Kofi Adu
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