Two of the eight victims of the August 6 Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash—Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna—have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic customs and traditions.
On Sunday, August 10, Muslim Jannaza prayers were performed at the Forecourt of the State House, led by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu. The service was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, government officials, legislators, religious leaders, institutional heads, and a large number of citizens. The burial took place at the Military Cemetery in Accra.
At the graveside, President Mahama thanked all who had shown solidarity with the bereaved families and the nation during this period of grief. He expressed appreciation to the families for their patience while DNA testing was conducted to confirm the identities of the deceased.
“Today is not a day for talking; I want to thank you for your sympathy. I want to thank the two families for their patience. I want to thank the family for accepting my decision for the two brothers to be buried here. The families are free to visit anytime they want to do so,” he said.
The helicopter, a Ghana Air Force Z-9, departed Accra at 9:12 a.m. on August 6 en route to Obuasi but disappeared from radar later that morning. Hours afterward, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed that all eight people aboard—three crew members and five passengers—had died.
The full list of victims includes:
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Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
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Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, and MP for Tamale Central
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Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
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Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
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Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO
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Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Ghana Air Force
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Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu, Ghana Air Force
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Sergeant Ernest Addo, Ghana Air Force
Following the crash, the remains of the victims were sent to South Africa for DNA analysis because their condition required advanced forensic procedures unavailable at the 37 Military Hospital. The burial of the two Muslim victims, originally scheduled for August 7, was postponed after assessments showed immediate interment was not possible. Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and Tamale North MP, Alhassan Suhuyini, explained that the decision was made after the state of the remains was evaluated and communicated to relevant parties.
“The information earlier was that, because of Islamic tradition, the Muslims among them were to be buried today. I am sure those decisions were taken before the actual state of the remains was determined.
“When that was done, it was clear to all that it was going to be practically impossible to carry out any burial today. So, those who had to be communicated to were quickly informed last night, and arrangements were suspended until further notice, or until some examinations are done before new dates are communicated,” Suhuyini stated.
The DNA results for the two Muslim victims were received on August 9, allowing the burial rites to proceed the next day. Results for the other six victims have also since been received.
In the meantime, books of condolence have been opened at several locations, including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, NADMO headquarters, and NDC headquarters. They will remain available until Thursday, August 14.
An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been tasked with determining the cause of the crash. President Mahama confirmed on August 7 that both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders had been recovered.
“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.
To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the Ministries and Departments that have lost dedicated staff, and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and their legacy. May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served,” the president remarked.
