EOCO reveals Shatta Wale has no documentation to prove he owns 2019 Lamborghini Urus involved in $4 million crime
Dr Murtala Mohammed, Alhaji Mohammed Limuna buried at Military cemetry
Dr Murtala Mohammed, Alhaji Mohammed Limuna buried at Military cemetry
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 3 mins read
The Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, and the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, have been buried in line with Islamic customs and traditions.
They were among the eight people who lost their lives in the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash on August 6.
Their funeral rites took place on Sunday, August 10, beginning with Muslim Jannaza prayers at the Forecourt of the State House. The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, led the prayers in the presence of President John Dramani Mahama, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, ministers, legislators, religious leaders, institutional heads, and hundreds of mourners. The bodies were later interred at the Military Cemetery in Accra.
At the burial site, President Mahama expressed his appreciation to all who had shown support during the national tragedy and acknowledged the families’ patience as authorities worked to identify the victims.
“Today is not a day for talking; I want to thank you for your sympathy. I want to thank the two families for their patience. I want to thank the family for accepting my decision for the two brothers to be buried here. The families are free to visit anytime they want to do so,” he stated.
The fatal crash occurred when a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter, which departed from Accra at 9:12 a.m. for Obuasi, vanished from radar. Hours later, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed that all eight passengers and crew on board had died.
Those who perished were: Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Anala; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo, all of the Ghana Air Force.
Due to the condition of the remains, samples were flown to South Africa for DNA analysis, as advanced forensic testing was required beyond the capacity of the 37 Military Hospital. Burial for the two Muslim victims was initially scheduled for August 7, but Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and Tamale North MP, Alhassan Suhuyini, explained that the plan had to be postponed.
“The information earlier was that, because of Islamic tradition, the Muslims among them were to be buried today. I am sure those decisions were taken before the actual state of the remains was determined.
“When that was done, it was clear to all that it was going to be practically impossible to carry out any burial today. So, those who had to be communicated to were quickly informed last night, and arrangements were suspended until further notice, or until some examinations are done before new dates are communicated,” Suhuyini told the media.
DNA results for the two were received on August 9, paving the way for their burial the following day. Authorities have since confirmed that the remaining six victims have also been identified.
Meanwhile, books of condolence have been opened at the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, NADMO headquarters, and the NDC national office. They will be available for signing until Thursday, August 14.
An Investigative Board of Inquiry has begun work to determine the cause of the crash. President Mahama has confirmed that both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered.
“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.
To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the Ministries and Departments that have lost dedicated staff, and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and their legacy. May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served,” the president said.
