Minister for Health Minister Akandoh and the Inspector General of Police, COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on Sunday, August 10, received the DNA results for the remaining six deceased in the August 6 helicopter crash.

They received the results at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). Engaging the media, the Health Minister noted that the results have been received earlier due to the expedited efforts put in by the government.

The 6 deceased are Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

Last week, the samples of the remains of the deceased involved in the tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6 were transported to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.

Per reports, the autopsy and identification procedures were to have been carried out by the 37 Military Hospital; however, the conditions of the bodies have called for advanced forensic processes.

The DNA results of the two Muslim victims were received on Saturday, August 9. Following this, Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator—two out of the eight who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash—were buried in accordance with Islamic Tradition, Custom and Practices.

On Sunday, August 10, Muslim Jannaza prayers were offered at the forecourt of State House. Following that, the deceased were buried at the Military Cemetery, Accra. The Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, led the prayers.

President John Dramani Mahama and Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin attended the prayers, which were also attended by Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and institutional heads, among many other Ghanaians.

At the burial site, President Mahama used the opportunity to thank all who were present and showed their sympathy to the family and country as a whole. He also expressed gratitude to the family for their patience in ensuring the DNA tests are carried out to aid the identification of the two deceased.

“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 added.

Burial for Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, was expected to be conducted on Thursday, August 7, as per Islamic tradition.

However, speaking to the media, the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, explained that the recent development was due to the condition of the victims’ remains, adding that the government and families of the deceased are awaiting autopsy results and investigative clearance. According to him, a new date will be fixed after a conclusion has been made.

“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 added.

Last week, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) reported that its airforce helicopter Z9, which took off in the morning of August 6 at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.

Hours later, the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the unfortunate demise of the 8 individuals comprising three crew and five passengers.

As part of the 3-day national mourning, the “Evening of Reflections and Memorials" took place at the Forecourt of the State House on Saturday, August 9.

The event was opened to all Ghanaians, including the general public, friends, and family of the departed.

On the first day of mourning, which began Thursday, August 7, a public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency took place to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash. Members of the public, families, and friends were present. President John Dramani Mahama and the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah shed tears while laying a wreath in honour of the eight victims.

The public laying of flowers and lighting of candles at the Ceremonial Garden at the front of the Presidency to honour victims of the tragic GAF helicopter crash continued on August 8.

It was held at the Ceremonial Garden, Presidency. This provided more time and space for citizens unable to attend Day 1 to pay their respects and join the national act of mourning.

Meanwhile, books of condolence were opened simultaneously on Sunday, August 10, at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO. The books will be open until Thursday, 14th August 2025.

On Friday, 15th August, an inter-denominational state funeral will be held for the remaining six individuals who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter accident.

The president made this known when he addressed the nation on Thursday night, August 7, a day after the tragic incident.