A solemn burial ceremony was held at the Forecourt of the State House for Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
The two were among eight people who perished in the August 6 Ghana Air Force helicopter crash in the Adansi-Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
In line with Islamic tradition, Janazah prayers were held today August 10, 2025, at the forecourt of the State House, after which interment followed at the Military Cemetery near Burma Camp in Tse Addo.
Dignitaries at the burial service included President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, National Chief Imam Sheikh Osumanu Nuhu Sharubutu, families of the victims, government officials, Members of Parliament, the Muslim community, members of the public and the Diplomatic Corps.
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Sharubutu who led the prayers said the two departed souls are already accepted in paradise.
He described them as martyrs who lived in accordance with God’s will.
While the two Muslim victims were buried today August 10, an inter-denominational state funeral for all eight victims 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.
President Mahama declared a three-day national mourning period from Thursday, August 7, which included a flower-laying ceremony.
An evening of reflection and memorial service was also held in their honour on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
By Kyei Boateng
