President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that forensic identification reports for all eight victims of the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6 in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region have been received.
Speaking during the burial ceremony 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 stated that DNA analysis had been completed, enabling their timely burial.
Due to the severely charred condition of the bodies, DNA samples had been sent to South Africa for forensic testing.
“Happily, that process was concluded yesterday [August 9]. We received the forensic results for our brothers [Murtala and Alhaji Muniru], and that is why we are able to bury them today,” the President said. “As I speak, the forensic reports for the remaining victims have also arrived. In consultation with their families, we will determine the appropriate arrangements for their funerals. A state funeral will be held for all of them on August 15.”
The Janazah (Islamic funeral) prayers for Dr Murtala and Alhaji Muniru 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 Victims
The crash claimed the lives of:
- 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 – Vice Chairman, National Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Samuel Aboagye – Former parliamentary candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Pilot
- Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu – Co-pilot
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Flight engineer
National Mourning and State Funeral
The government declared a three-day national mourning period following the crash, including a flower-laying ceremony on August 7 and a memorial service on August 9.
A full state funeral for all eight victims is scheduled to take place on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Black Star Square in Accra.
Crash Background
The Z-9 military helicopter departed Accra at 09:12 GMT, en route to Obuasi as part of an anti-illegal mining operation. The aircraft, carrying five passengers and three crew members, went off radar shortly after departure. A search-and-rescue operation confirmed the crash, with no survivors.
