Helicopter Crash Victims Honoured in State Ceremonies
Ghana held state burials this weekend for eight individuals who died in a helicopter crash on August 6—the Defence and Environment ministers, the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, two political figures, and three air force personnel. A memorial night and janaaza funeral rituals were followed by burial at the Military Cemetery in Accra. President Mahama honoured the fallen and called on citizens to unite in nation-building.
Ghana Buries Eight Victims of Military Helicopter Crash — Nation Mourns
The nation held final burial rites over the weekend for the eight people who died when a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crashed while on an official trip on August 6, 2025. The nation remains in shock after the loss of two sitting ministers and several senior officials and service personnel.
President John Dramani Mahama and senior government figures attended memorial events and tributes were held across state institutions as the three-day period of national mourning drew to a close. An Evening of Reflections and other memorial services were held prior to the burials, as investigators continued to probe the cause of the crash.
The eight victims
The Ghana Armed Forces and government releases list the eight people who died aboard the helicopter as follows:
-
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah — Minister for Defence.
-
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed — Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
-
Muniru (Limuna) Mohammed — Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator (and former Minister for Food and Agriculture).
-
Samuel Sarpong — Vice Chairman, National Democratic Congress (NDC).
-
Samuel Aboagye — Former parliamentary candidate.
-
Manaen Twum Ampadu — Flying Officer (aircrew).
-
Ernest Addo — Sergeant (aircrew).
Officials from the Ghana Armed Forces released the passenger list in the days after the crash; news outlets and state media circulated the list while the country observed official mourning.
Weekend burials and ceremonies
Islamic Janazah prayers and military honours were reported at the burials for some of the victims. Senior religious leaders and military representatives led the funeral rites for Dr. Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru (Limuna) Mohammed, who were buried at the new Military Cemetery at Tse-Addo in Accra on Sunday, August 10. The government also held an Evening of Reflections and a memorial service to honour the dead.
President Mahama addressed the nation, paid tribute to the fallen, and ordered flags to fly at half-mast as the government launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash. The Ghanaian Chief of Staff and other senior officials were involved in receiving the remains and coordinating state funeral arrangements.
Legacy and Reflection
While the tragedy has left a deep scar, many speakers at the funeral called for unity and resilience in the face of national loss. The officials were remembered not only for their roles in government but also for their personal contributions to their communities and the lives they touched.
As the nation lays them to rest, their legacy will remain a testament to service, sacrifice, and patriotism.
President Mahama, visibly moved, urged Ghanaians to let their legacy reaffirm “our sacred duty to build the Ghana they wanted: a Ghana of opportunity, justice, and prosperity for all”
What comes next
A formal investigation by the relevant aviation and military authorities has been opened to determine the cause of the crash. Authorities have so far emphasised that the probe must be thorough and transparent; meanwhile, the country has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised support for the bereaved. International and local media continue to follow the investigation and the national response.
Source;
GBConline/XinhuaNews/Graphiconline
