A solemn Islamic burial ceremony was held today, August 10 2025, for two of the eight victims of the Ghana Air Force helicopter crash in the Adansi-Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The ceremony honoured the late Dr Ibrahim Muhammed Murtala, former Minister for Environment, and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
The burial rites began at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra, drawing a host of high-profile dignitaries, including President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President, the Speaker of Parliament, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the National Chief Imam.
The rites, attended by relatives, friends, political colleagues, and members of the Muslim community, were administered by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, alongside other senior Islamic clerics.
The atmosphere was one of deep grief and reflection. Friends and colleagues spoke quietly in groups, recalling the personal warmth and professional dedication of the two men.
President’s Tribute
Their final journey ended at the Military Cemetery in Accra, where their bodies were laid to rest in accordance with Islamic tradition. In his tribute at the cemetery, President Mahama spoke emotionally about his close personal relationships with both men.
“My two brothers, Muniru and Murtala, were both personally close to me. Murtala, I had mentored for 20 years, from his days as a new MP at Nanton and later at Tamale Central. He was a devout member of our team, one of our very bright intellectuals, very eloquent in Parliament, and an important part of our reset agenda.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
He described Muniru as “like a younger brother” and “a permanent fixture” in his home, stating that the late Muniru acted almost like his personal assistant.
“I sent him on errands, and so this is a very deep personal loss for me, but I know they were both devout Muslims, and so I believe, by Allah’s grace, He will receive them in Janatul Firdaus.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The President thanked the National Chief Imam and all the Islamic leaders who offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased. “In Islam, once you are dead, the only thing that is useful to you is prayers,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the bereaved families for agreeing to his decision to have the two buried at the Military Cemetery.
“Many of you may have had other intentions for their burial, but I do believe this is a conducive resting place for them. The families are free to visit their graves anytime they wish”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
Overcome by emotion, President Mahama admitted that the day was not one for long speeches. “I find it very difficult to find words that I should speak. And so, I just say thank you. May God grant them Paradise, and may the memory of them guide us,” he said.
He pledged that, in their memory, the government would continue the work they had been part of, “to serve the people of Ghana and ensure the success of our reset agenda so that their names will be written in gold in Paradise.”
National Chief Imam’s Blessings
The National Chief Imam, His Eminence Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, delivered an address steeped in Islamic teachings on loss, patience, and divine will.
“To Allah belongs all that He gives; unto Him belongs that which He denies, and everything about Him is determined with precision according to His orders. Unto Allah we belong, and unto Him is our definite return,” he said, quoting from the Qur’an. He explained that accepting Allah’s will in times of loss brings three divine blessings.
“The first is that Allah will pour upon you His own divine prayers of benediction, which is better than the world and all that it contains. The second is that Allah will grant you His compassion, which outweighs all worldly possessions. Finally, Allah will grant you His guidance, which is what we constantly request in each of our daily prayers.”
National Chief Imam, His Eminence Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu
Turning his attention to the lives of the deceased, Dr Sharubutu urged the mourners to follow their example of good deeds.
“For some of the good virtues they undertook when they were living, we must follow their examples. Once a human being passes on, what remains about him is the conversation about him. These testimonies of virtue will definitely benefit them in their graves”.
National Chief Imam, His Eminence Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu
The Chief Imam reflected on the inevitability and unpredictability of death. “Our death could be in the next minute or tomorrow. The causes of death are many and varied, just as the means of affluence or forgiveness from God are many. Therefore, we pray that these two people may Allah grant them His forgiveness. They are indeed in the forgiveness of God,” he declared.
He concluded by invoking divine acceptance of all prayers said for the deceased. “All the prayers rendered by our respected Imams—may Allah accept them. There is nothing to add to what they have already said. Ameen.”
The burial of Dr Murtala and Alhaji Muniru marks the beginning of the nation’s formal farewell to the victims of the helicopter crash, a tragedy that has shocked the country and left a deep void in public service circles.
While Sunday’s burial focused on the two Muslim victims, the government has announced that a larger inter-denominational state funeral for all eight victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square.
The inter-denominational service scheduled for August 15 is expected to bring together Ghanaians from all walks of life to honour the eight men who died while serving their nation.
As the two fresh graves at the Military Cemetery were covered, the wailing of mourners mixed with the recitations of Qur’anic verses, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring value of faith, service, and community.
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