President John Dramani Mahama on Sunday, August 10, 2025 led Ghanaians in solemn burial rites for two high-profile public servants former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna.
The ceremony began with “janaza” prayers at the forecourt of the State House, followed by interment at the Military Cemetery in Accra. Relatives, government officials, Muslim clerics, and sympathizers gathered to bid farewell to the two, who were among the victims of a recent military helicopter crash.
In his brief remarks, President Mahama commiserated with the bereaved families, expressing gratitude for their patience during the identification process.
“In Islam, when a person dies, they are supposed to be buried as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, we had to go through scientific forensic processes to positively identify the bodies. Happily, the process ended yesterday, and we received the results electronically,” the President said.
He explained that the decision to bury the two at the Military Cemetery was to provide a dignified and secure resting place, noting that families could visit the graves at any time.
Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye confirmed that DNA test results for all eight victims of the crash have now been received. “The first batch came in yesterday, which included the two Muslims buried today. The final batch, covering the remaining six victims, has also arrived,” he said.
President Mahama further announced that a state funeral for all the victims would be held on the 15th of August, with individual families free to organize separate commemorations.
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