President John Dramani Mahama on Sunday confirmed that forensic identification reports have been received for all eight victims of last week’s fatal military helicopter crash, clearing the way for final burial arrangements, including a state funeral later this month.
Speaking at the burial service for two high-profile government officials who perished in the crash—Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator—President Mahama disclosed that DNA analyses conducted in South Africa were completed and the results transmitted electronically to Ghanaian authorities.
“Happily, that process was ended yesterday,” Mr. Mahama said during a ceremony in Accra. “We received electronically the forensic results for our brothers. As I speak, the forensic reports for the rest have also arrived. In consultation with the families, we will decide how their funerals will be held.”
The government has scheduled a state funeral for all eight victims for August 15 at the Black Star Square in the capital, following a national three-day mourning period marked by a memorial service and a ceremonial laying of flowers.
The August 6 crash involved a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route from Accra to Obuasi as part of an anti-illegal mining operation. The aircraft disappeared from radar shortly after departure, prompting a search-and-rescue mission that later confirmed the deaths of all on board.
The victims included three crew members and five passengers, several of whom held senior positions in government and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). The full list of victims comprises:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the NDC
Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Due to the extent of the fire damage sustained in the crash, DNA testing was required for identification. Samples were sent to South Africa for forensic analysis, officials said.
In keeping with Islamic funeral rites, Janazah prayers were performed for Dr. Muhammed and Mr. Muniru at the Forecourt of the State House, led by Ghana’s National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu. The two were later interred at the Military Cemetery near Burma Camp in Accra.
The crash marks one of Ghana’s deadliest aviation incidents in recent years and raises renewed concerns about military aviation safety, particularly as the Z-9 platform—produced under license from Chinese defense manufacturers—continues to serve a central role in the country's aerial operations.
While investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing, the government has pledged full transparency and support for the bereaved families.
