Helicopter crash: Ghana bids farewell to Alhaji Muniru, Murtala (Photos)
Ghanaians on Sunday, August 10, bid a solemn farewell to Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central, and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
In line with Islamic tradition, Janazah prayers were held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra, followed by interment at the Military Cemetery near Burma Camp.
The burial service was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, families of the victims, government officials, Members of Parliament, the Muslim community, and members of the public.
The government declared a three-day national mourning period beginning Thursday, August 7, marked by a flower-laying ceremony. On Saturday, August 9, an evening of reflection and memorial service was held in honour of the victims.
Meanwhile, an inter-denominational state funeral for all the victims of the crash is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square.
The August 6 helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom district claimed eight lives, including Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Ghana Armed Forces earlier reported that the Z-9 helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, had gone “off the radar” shortly after departure from Accra at 09:12 GMT. The aircraft was en route to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining operation. A search-and-rescue mission later confirmed that all eight on board had died.
The eight victims were:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
