- The results of the DNA samples of the military helicopter crash victims sent to South Africa arrived in Ghana on Sunday, August 10, 2025
- Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah, took possession of the results and handed them over to the IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for further action
- According to President John Mahama, the results for Murtala Mohammed and Muniru Limuna had already been transferred electronically
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno received the final batch of DNA results at Kotoka International Airport on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
The receipt of the sample results brings closure to the identification process for victims of last week’s fatal military helicopter crash.
Source: Facebook
The DNA samples from the eight victims who perished in the military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, were sent to South Africa for analysis on August 7. The scientific identification process became necessary after the impact of the crash left the bodies burned beyond recognition
Two results were received electronically on Saturday, August 9, confirming the identities of Dr. Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru, enabling their burial according to Islamic tradition on Sunday.
During his remarks at the burial ceremony for the two Muslim victims, President Mahama explained the complexity of the identification process.
“Unfortunately, the state in which the bodies were made it difficult for us to identify positively which was which and that’s why we have to go through the scientific process of identifying. Happily, that process was ended yesterday (Saturday, August 9) and that’s why we have to bury ahead,” he said.
Source: Instagram
The President confirmed that forensic results for the remaining victims have also arrived, with burial arrangements to be made in consultation with their families.
Victims of the Obuasi helicopter crash
The helicopter crash claimed the lives of several high-ranking government officials and military personnel.
The government officials were:
- Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
- Environment Minister Dr. Murtala Mohammed
- Former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong
- Muniru Mohammed (Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator)
- Samuel Aboagye (former Obuasi East NDC Parliamentary Candidate)
The military crew were:
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Watch Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirming the crash and its victims:
The crash occurred at Sikaman Forest in the Adansi South District in the Ashanti Region while the officials were travelling to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
National mourning for helicopter crash victims
Following the tragedy, the government declared a three-day national mourning period. Memorial activities have included:
Wreath-laying ceremonies at the Ceremonial Gardens at the Presidency on Thursday, August 7, and Friday, August 8
A vigil was held at the State House forecourt on Saturday, August 9, attended by government officials and families of the deceased
President Mahama has also announced that an interdenominational state funeral will be held on August 15, 2025.
DNA results of crash victims handed over
Health Minister Akandoh confirmed the completion of the identification process during a media briefing after receiving the final DNA results.
“Today, we have taken the final part of the results of the investigation of the examination,” Akandoh stated. “Yesterday, we had the first batch that was the results for the honourable Murtala and Alhaji Muniru.”
The DNA results were formally handed over to the Inspector General of Police, who will communicate further details to the President and Health Minister regarding burial arrangements for the remaining victims.
See photos of the handing over ceremony of the DNA sample results below:
Captain Smart claims birds cause crashes
Meanwhile, Onua TV presenter Captain Smart sparked controversy with his claims about plane crashes following the military helicopter crash near Obuasi.
As reported by YEN.com.gh, Captain Smart had suggested that the crash might have been caused by a bird, claiming that 65% of crashes happen so.
The video of Captain Smart making his claim triggered a massive online bashing for him, as some Ghanaians questioned him.
Source: YEN.com.gh
