A solemn state burial ceremony is underway at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra for two prominent government officials — Dr. Ibrahim Muhammed Murtala, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, former Northern Regional Minister and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
The two were among eight people, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who lost their lives in the Ghana Air Force helicopter crash in the Adansi-Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6. The victims were travelling to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP), an initiative aimed at combating illegal mining, when the aircraft went down.
In accordance with Islamic tradition, Janazah prayers were performed at the Forecourt, led by prominent clerics, before the remains of the two officials were transferred to the Military Cemetery in Accra, where interment is currently underway.
The service has drawn a large gathering of mourners, including President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, government ministers, Members of Parliament, leaders of the Muslim community, and thousands of sympathisers from across the country.
Many attendees are clad in black and white, with visible signs of grief and reflection on the loss of two public servants described as “dedicated patriots” in tributes read during the service.
While Dr. Murtala and Alhaji Limuna are being buried today in accordance with their faith, a larger inter-denominational state funeral for all eight victims will be held at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, 2025. The event is expected to attract international dignitaries, political leaders, and representatives from the diplomatic community.
