Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that forensic results for all eight victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom District have been received, enabling burial arrangements to proceed.
The DNA samples, sent to South Africa due to the charred condition of the bodies, were returned on August 9, clearing the way for the interment 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.
Their Janazah prayers, led by National Chief Imam Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, took place at the State House forecourt in Accra before burial at the Military Cemetery near Burma Camp.
The crash also claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Z-9 military helicopter had departed Accra for Obuasi on an anti-illegal mining mission when it went off radar, prompting a search-and-rescue operation that confirmed the deaths of all aboard. The government declared three days of national mourning, including a flower-laying ceremony on August 7 and a memorial service on August 9.
A state funeral for all victims will be held on August 15, 2025, at Black Star Square in Accra.
