President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that forensic reports for all eight victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region have been received, paving the way for final burial arrangements, including a state funeral on August 15.
The President made the announcement during the burial of two of the 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. He noted that DNA samples had been sent to South Africa for analysis due to the severe charring of the bodies.
“Yesterday [August 9], we received the forensic results for our brothers Murtala and Alhaji Muniru. The reports for the rest have also arrived. In consultation with their families, we will determine the arrangements for their funerals,” Mahama said.
In line with Islamic tradition, Janazah prayers were performed at the State House Forecourt in Accra, led by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu. The two were later buried at the Military Cemetery near Burma Camp.
The tragedy claimed the lives of several senior government officials and military personnel:
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 of the NDC
Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The Harbin Z-9 military helicopter departed Accra at 09:12 GMT, en route to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining event, carrying three crew members and five passengers. Shortly after take-off, the aircraft went off radar, prompting an immediate search operation. The wreckage was later discovered in a forest near Adansi Akrofuom, with no survivors.
A full investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, though no official findings have yet been released. Aviation authorities have described the incident as one of Ghana’s worst air disasters in recent years.
The government declared a three-day national mourning period, marked by a flower-laying ceremony on August 7 and a memorial service on August 9. Flags were flown at half-mast nationwide. Tributes have poured in from Parliament, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Ghana Armed Forces, and international bodies including the UN, AU, and ECOWAS.
The state funeral for all eight victims will be held at Black Star Square in Accra on Friday, August 15.
