By Daniel Bampoe
President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that the identities of all eight victims of the August 6, 2025, Ghana Air Force helicopter crash have been established after detailed forensic analysis in South Africa.
The confirmation, he said, clears the way for a full state funeral to honour the lives lost in what has been described as the deadliest peacetime aviation disaster.
Speaking at the burial of two of the victims — Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and MP for Tamale Central, and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator — President Mahama revealed that DNA samples had been sent to South Africa because the charred condition of the bodies made visual identification impossible.
“Given the extent of the burns, it was not possible for the 37 Military Hospital to conduct reliable identification locally,” the President explained.
“The government took the decision to send the remains to a world-class forensic laboratory in South Africa for advanced DNA testing. That process concluded yesterday, August 9. We received the results confirming the identities of our brothers, and that is why we are here today to lay them to rest. The other results have also been received, and we will work with the families to finalise arrangements for their burial. On August 15, we will hold a state funeral for all of them.”
The bodies of Dr. Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Limuna were prepared in accordance with Islamic traditions, with Janazah prayers led by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra, before their burial at the Military Cemetery near Burma Camp.
The solemn ceremony drew Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, senior government officials, Members of Parliament, relatives, and members of the Muslim community.
The fatal crash claimed the lives of prominent figures, including Minister for Defence Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, NDC National Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the Z-9 helicopter departed Accra at 09:12 GMT for Obuasi on an anti-illegal mining mission when it went “off radar” shortly after take-off.
A search-and-rescue operation later confirmed the deaths of all aboard.
Military teams have since retrieved the aircraft’s Black Box, which contains critical flight data and cockpit voice recordings, expected to provide insight into the cause of the crash.
President Mahama declared three days of national mourning starting August 7, during which a flower-laying ceremony and memorial service were held.
He assured the nation that the victims would be honoured not only for their service to the country but also for their dedication to national duty, even in the face of danger.
