Ghana bids Murtala, Muniru farewell
Ghana came together in solemn unity on Sunday, August 10 to honor two of its distinguished sons: Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, who were laid to rest following last week’s fatal military helicopter crash.
In accordance with Islamic rites, Janazah prayers were held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra.
The two were later buried at the Military Cemetery near Burma Camp.
The burial service drew a host of dignitaries including President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, National Chief Imam Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, alongside grieving families, government officials, Members of Parliament, the Muslim community and members of the public.
The government had earlier declared a three-day national mourning period beginning Thursday, August 7. The tribute began with a flower-laying ceremony and continued with an evening of reflection and memorial service held on Saturday, August 9.
A state funeral for all eight victims of the crash is scheduled for Friday, August 15 at Black Star Square where the nation will pay its final respects.
The tragic incident occurred on August 6 in the Adansi Akrofuom District when a Z-9 military helicopter carrying three crew members and five passengers disappeared from radar shortly after departing Accra at 09:12 GMT.
The aircraft was headed to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining operation. A search-and-rescue mission later confirmed that all eight onboard had died.
The victims were identified as Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defense; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and MP for Tamale Central; Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the crash and the loss of all eight lives, describing the incident as a devastating blow to the nation’s security and leadership.
