DNA results of six victims of helicopter crash received by Mintah Akandoh, IGP

The DNA results of the remaining six victims of helicopter crash received by the government of Ghana. The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, and the Inspector General of Police were ethe joint receivers of the results for the six more victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash, marking a significant step towards giving the deceased a befitting burial.

On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and other officials received the results at the Kotoka International Airport. The analysis was conducted in South Africa after samples of the remains were sent there on August 7 to assist in identifying each of the eight victims.

The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, claimed the lives of senior government officials, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, and political leaders who were on national duty. The tragedy plunged the nation into mourning and prompted an expedited effort to complete the identification process.

Speaking to JoyNews after receiving the documents, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh confirmed that the government had now received the final set of results. He explained that, due to the sensitivity and urgency of the situation, authorities worked to ensure the examinations were completed as quickly as possible to allow the bereaved families to proceed with funeral arrangements.

Mr. Akandoh disclosed that two of the results — those of Dr. Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru — had been transmitted electronically to Ghana on Saturday, August 9. This early confirmation enabled their burial in accordance with Islamic rites on Sunday, August 10.

During the burial ceremony for the two Muslim victims, President John Dramani Mahama publicly confirmed the electronic receipt of the results. He commended all parties involved for their swift and respectful handling of the process, which allowed the families to lay their loved ones to rest without unnecessary delay.

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The government has further announced that an inter-denominational state funeral for all eight victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra. The event will provide the nation an opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice of the officials who lost their lives in the tragic incident.