By Issah Olegor
President John Dramani Mahama’s absence from the final funeral rites of the late Environment Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, in Tamale has sparked mixed reactions, particularly among some residents of the Northern Region.
The adua, held on Tuesday, August 12, drew political figures, traditional leaders, and mourners from across the country.
Dr. Mohammed was among the eight victims of the August 6 Ghana Air Force helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The incident claimed the lives of senior government officials, party leaders, and three military crew members, leaving behind grieving families and young children.
Although Mahama did not attend the Tamale ceremony, he was represented by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
The President spent the day in Accra, where he met with families of the three military personnel who died in the crash.
He also announced the creation of a special fund to support the education and welfare of the victims’ children, which was officially launched at the state funeral on August 15.
Social Media Reactions
The decision not to attend the Tamale rites, however, prompted sharp criticism on social media from some Northerners, who viewed it as a snub to the region.
One of the loudest voices was Basiru Bejejugu, who accused Mahama of showing insensitivity by prioritising other engagements over attending the adua in the deceased’s home region.
Basiru Bejejugu also drew parallels with the late President John Evans Atta Mills’ burial in Accra, claiming Mahama had previously denied family requests to inter Mills in his hometown of Ekumfi Otuam.
Another contentious point raised online was the reported refusal to release the body of the late Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, for burial in Damango despite alleged appeals from the Yagbonwura, the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom.
Critics argue that Islamic tradition encourages visiting the graves of loved ones, and burying the late Limuna in Accra’s military cemetery makes it difficult for many relatives to pay their respects.
Some commentators, however, defended Mahama’s decision.
Others noted that the funeral rites in Tamale were not the only opportunity to honour the late Minister, suggesting the President attended another memorial
The Fatal Mission
The Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter carrying Dr. Murtala Mohammed and other officials was on a mission from Accra to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region to attend an anti-illegal mining (galamsey) programme. Onboard were:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the NDC
Samuel Aboagye – former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East
Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala – pilot
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu – co-pilot
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – flight engineer
The helicopter lost radar contact mid-flight, leading to a search-and-rescue operation.
The wreckage was discovered hours later in Adansi Akrofuom District, with all occupants burnt beyond recognition. DNA tests were required for identification.
The state funeral for all eight victims was scheduled on Friday, August 15, in Accra.
On Tuesday, President John Mahama has urged the public, corporate bodies, and philanthropists to contribute to the planned educational fund for the victims’ children, including a two-month-old baby left behind by the pilot, Squadron Leader Peter Anala.
