The Forecourt of the State House in Accra was the scene of deep grief and solemn reflection as Ghana laid to rest two prominent public servants — Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
Both men were among the eight victims of the August 6 Ghana Air Force helicopter crash in the Adansi-Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
In accordance with Islamic tradition, Janazah prayers were offered, led by prominent Muslim clerics, before the bodies were taken to the Military Cemetery near Burma Camp for interment.
The ceremony drew an array of dignitaries, including President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, Members of Parliament, government officials, and members of the Muslim community. Families of the deceased and the general public also gathered to pay their last respects.
Friday’s burial service was the first in a series of national events honouring the eight crash victims. An inter-denominational state funeral for all will be held on August 15 at the Black Star Square.
The victims also included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and three military crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the Z-9 helicopter carrying the officials took off from Accra at 09:12 GMT bound for Obuasi on an anti-illegal mining mission. The aircraft lost contact shortly after departure, and a subsequent search confirmed that all eight on board had perished.
While the nation continues to mourn, the burial of Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Muniru Limuna Mohammed served as a poignant reminder of the personal and national loss, marking the start of a week of remembrance that will culminate in a state funeral.
The Legacy Of Helicopter Crash Victims Should Mend A Divided Nation … Tsatsu Tsikata Prays
Veteran lawyer and National Democratic Congress (NDC) stalwart Tsatsu Tsikata has called on Ghanaians to turn the pain of the August 6 military helicopter tragedy into a catalyst for unity and reconciliation.
Speaking at an “Evening of Reflections and Memorial” held at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9, Mr. Tsikata said the deaths of the eight officials should inspire the nation to rise above divisions and honour their dedication to public service.
“It is a sad day indeed,” he told mourners. “The greatest pain will be felt by their families, their spouses, and their children. We can only hope and pray that what they lived and died for will be a lesson for all of us.”
The memorial paid tribute to Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and three military crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The eight were travelling to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP), a government initiative aimed at tackling illegal mining. Their aircraft went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
Mr. Tsikata’s remarks echoed sentiments shared earlier by former President John Mahama, emphasising that the tragedy could serve as “a lesson in the healing of the nation” and as a unifying legacy left by the fallen.
The solemn event, attended by political leaders, government officials, and grieving relatives, blended personal grief with a broader national message — that the ultimate tribute to the victims would be to embody the unity and service they stood for in life.
