Forensic reports arrive from South Africa on helicopter crash victims, gov’t reveals

President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that forensic reports for all eight victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District, Ashanti Region have been received.

The DNA results, which were sent to South Africa for analysis due to the severely charred condition of the bodies, arrived on August 9, enabling the burials to proceed. A state funeral for all eight victims is scheduled for Thursday, August 15, 2025.

The crash involved a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter carrying eight people, including government ministers and military personnel, which went off radar while en route from Accra to Obuasi for an event addressing illegal mining.

The victims included prominent figures such as the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, and the Minister for Defence Edward Omane Boamah.

Burials of two Muslim victims, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, took place on August 10 after the forensic reports cleared their identification.

Janazah prayers were performed in accordance with Islamic tradition at the State House Forecourt in Accra before burial at the Military Cemetery near Burma Camp.

The government has declared a three-day national mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast and memorial ceremonies held leading up to the state funeral.