President John Dramani Mahama has announced that forensic reports on all eight victims of the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District have been received.
Speaking at the burial of two victims — 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 — President Mahama disclosed that DNA tests had been conducted in South Africa due to the charred condition of the bodies.
“That process was concluded yesterday [August 9]. We received the forensic results for our brothers [Murtala and Alhaji Muniru], and that is why we have come to bury them ahead.
“The forensic reports for the others have also arrived, and in consultation with their families, we will decide on funeral arrangements. On August 15, 2025, we will hold a state funeral for all of them,” Mahama said.
Janazah prayers and burial
In keeping with Islamic tradition, Janazah prayers were led by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra.
The two were laid to rest at the Military Cemetery near Burma Camp.
The ceremony was attended by President John Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, government officials, Members of Parliament, families of the deceased, and members of the Muslim community.
Eight lives lost
The crash claimed eight lives, including Dr. Edward Omane Boamah — Minister for Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed — Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; MP for Tamale Central, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed — Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr. Samuel Sarpong — National Vice Chairman, NDC, Samuel Aboagye — former parliamentary candidate, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala — pilot, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu — co-pilot and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — flight engineer.
National mourning and state funeral
The government declared a three-day national mourning period beginning August 7, marked by a flower-laying ceremony and a memorial service.
A state funeral for all the victims is set for Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.
Crash details
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the Z-9 military helicopter departed Accra at 09:12 GMT bound for Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining operation.
Shortly after departure, the aircraft went “off the radar,” prompting a search-and-rescue mission that later confirmed the deaths of all on board.
