Two Muslims in helicopter crash tragedy laid to rest

The nation will today witness a solemn farewell to two distinguished public servants who perished in the August 6 military helicopter crash, as Islamic burial rites are performed for them in Accra.

Former Minister for Environment, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic traditions.

The two were among eight officials killed when a Ghana Air Force helicopter went down in the Adansi-Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, a tragedy that has shaken the nation.

According to the Presidency, the rites will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Janazah prayers at the Forecourt of the State House.

The bodies will then be transported to the Military Cemetery in Accra, where burial will take place at 2:30 p.m.

The ceremony is expected to draw a host of dignitaries, including President John Dramani Mahama, the Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, and the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Religious leaders, including the National Chief Imam and the leader of the Ambariya Sunni Group, will lead the prayers, while family members, traditional leaders, and senior government officials join in the farewell.

The August 6 crash has been described as one of the darkest days in Ghana’s recent history.

The helicopter, on official duty, reportedly encountered severe weather conditions before going down, claiming the lives of key government and security figures.

The loss has sparked nationwide mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and tributes pouring in from across the political and religious spectrum.

While today’s burial focuses on the Muslim victims, the government has announced that a full state funeral for all eight crash victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Black Star Square.

That event will serve as a final national moment of collective grief and honour for the fallen officials, who died in the line of duty.

The deaths of Murtala and Limuna are particularly poignant for their respective communities.

Murtala was remembered as a committed public servant and environmental advocate, while Limuna was known for his strategic role in national security and his quiet but firm leadership style.