Ghana Mourns Deeply as Two Muslim Victims of Military Helicopter Crash Laid to Rest in Solemn State Burial
Ghana Bids Farewell to Fallen Leaders in Heart-Wrenching Ceremony
Military Cemetery funeral – Ghana was gripped by grief on Sunday, August 10, 2025, as a solemn state burial was held for two Muslim victims of the tragic Ghana Air Force helicopter crash that claimed eight lives on August 6.
Former Minister for Environment, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, and former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, were laid to rest with full Islamic rites in an emotionally charged ceremony that brought together the nation’s political, religious, and traditional leadership.
The burial, announced by the Presidency, began at 2:00 p.m. with the Janazah prayers at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra. Hundreds of mourners gathered under the hot afternoon sun, many dressed in black or white, reflecting both grief and respect for the departed.
Final Journey to the Military Cemetery
Military Cemetery funeral – Following the prayers, the bodies of the two leaders were transported to the Military Cemetery in Accra for interment at 2:30 p.m. in accordance with Islamic tradition. The funeral procession moved with solemn dignity, as military pallbearers carried the caskets draped in the national flag, while clerics recited verses from the Qur’an.
The atmosphere was filled with emotion, from quiet tears to heartfelt prayers — as friends, colleagues, and family members bid farewell to men widely remembered for their service and dedication to the nation.
National Leaders and Religious Figures in Attendance
Military Cemetery funeral – The burial rites were attended by some of the country’s most influential figures, underscoring the significance of the tragedy and the contributions of the deceased.
President John Mahama led the government delegation, joined by Vice President, the Speaker of Parliament, and the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Security chiefs, cabinet ministers, and members of parliament also came to pay their respects.
From the religious community, National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu was present, along with the leader of the Ambariya Sunni Group, Sheikh Saeed Abubakar Zakaria. Several Christian clergy members attended in solidarity, reflecting Ghana’s unity in moments of national grief.
Traditional leaders from the Northern and Upper East Regions, where the two men hailed from, traveled to Accra to honor their memory, dressed in rich traditional attire and accompanied by cultural delegations.
Remembering the Victims of the Adansi-Akrofuom Helicopter Crash
Military Cemetery funeral – The Ghana Air Force helicopter tragedy occurred on August 6, 2025, in the Adansi-Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The crash claimed the lives of eight officials, including senior members of government, military personnel, and technical staff who were on an official mission.
In addition to Dr. Murtala and Alhaji Muniru, other notable victims included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and senior military officers. The incident plunged the country into deep mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and condolence books opened across ministries and regional capitals.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by a joint Ghana Air Force and Civil Aviation Authority inquiry team. Preliminary reports suggest adverse weather conditions may have played a role, but full details are expected in the coming weeks.
Tributes to the Two Muslim Leaders
Throughout the day, mourners and officials shared emotional tributes to Dr. Murtala and Alhaji Muniru.
President Mahama described Dr. Murtala as “a tireless champion for environmental protection and sustainable development, whose work will benefit future generations.” He praised Alhaji Muniru as “a dedicated public servant and a patriot whose commitment to national security was unmatched.”
Family members of the deceased expressed gratitude for the overwhelming national support, with one relative noting that “the nation has truly shown that these men were not just our family, but Ghana’s family.”
Upcoming State Funeral for All Eight Victims
While the two Muslim victims have now been buried, a larger inter-denominational state funeral for all eight crash victims is scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra. This ceremony is expected to draw thousands of mourners from across the country and abroad, providing one final opportunity for the nation to unite in grief and gratitude.
The August 15 service will feature tributes from heads of state, the military, parliament, and the families of the deceased. It will be followed by individual burial arrangements for the remaining victims according to their faith and traditions.
A Nation United in Mourning
Military Cemetery funeral – The burial of Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed was more than just a farewell to two leaders it was a moment that captured the heart of Ghana. From political rivals standing shoulder to shoulder, to Christian and Muslim leaders praying side by side, the ceremony embodied the spirit of national unity in the face of shared loss.
As the sun set over Accra on Sunday evening, many left the cemetery with heavy hearts but also with a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve their country.
