Accra, Ghana – Black Stars captain Andre Ayew was among hundreds of mourners who gathered in the capital on Sunday for Muslim prayers honouring two distinguished Ghanaian public servants who died in the August 6 helicopter crash.
The solemn ceremony, held in Accra, was led by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, and attended by some of the country’s most prominent political, religious, and sporting figures.
Honouring Two Fallen Leaders
The prayers were organised in memory of:
- Hon. Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala Muhammad, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
- Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
Both men lost their lives in the tragic helicopter crash earlier this month, which has plunged Ghana into mourning and prompted widespread tributes for their dedicated service to the nation.
Ayew’s Presence Highlights National Mourning
Ayew, who is currently in Ghana weighing his options following his departure from French Ligue 1 side Le Havre, joined dignitaries and ordinary citizens alike to pay his respects.
The 34-year-old forward, revered for his leadership on the pitch, stood among the mourners in a show of solidarity that extended beyond football — reflecting his recognition of the contributions of the two leaders to national life.
High-Profile Gathering
The memorial prayers drew a distinguished assembly, including:
- President John Dramani Mahama
- Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament
- Ministers of State
- Members of Parliament
- Religious leaders from across Ghana’s faith communities
- Institutional heads and senior government officials
The gathering underscored the national significance of the loss and the respect the two late leaders commanded across political and social lines.
National Chief Imam Leads Prayers
Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, revered for his unifying role in Ghanaian society, delivered the prayers, urging Ghanaians to remember the values of service, humility, and dedication to the common good exemplified by the two late officials.
He called for comfort and strength for the grieving families and urged the nation to reflect on the fragility of life.
From Prayers to Final Resting Place
Following the prayer service, the bodies of Hon. Dr. Murtala Muhammad and Alhaji Limuna Mohammed were taken to the Military Cemetery in Accra, where they were laid to rest with full honours.
The burial was attended by close family members, senior state officials, military representatives, and mourners from across the country.
Legacy of the Late Leaders
Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad was widely known for his vocal advocacy in Parliament, particularly on environmental sustainability, technological advancement, and the promotion of science-led development in Ghana.
His tenure as Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation saw him champion several climate change initiatives, as well as projects aimed at advancing renewable energy adoption in rural areas.
Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, in his role as Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, was credited with fostering greater cooperation between security agencies and civilian institutions. Colleagues have described him as a man of discretion, integrity, and deep commitment to Ghana’s stability.
The August 6 Helicopter Crash
The accident occurred on August 6, 2025, when the helicopter carrying the two officials and others went down under circumstances that remain under investigation.
Preliminary reports suggest adverse weather conditions may have played a role, but the final findings of the investigative committee are still awaited. The incident has prompted renewed calls for stringent safety measures in both civilian and state air transport.
Ayew’s Role Beyond Football
Ayew’s attendance at the prayers has been widely noted as part of a growing tradition among prominent Ghanaian sports figures to participate in national moments of mourning and unity.
The Black Stars skipper has long been known for his sense of national duty — both in representing Ghana on the global stage and in engaging with local communities during times of hardship.
Since his exit from Le Havre earlier this summer, Ayew has been spending time in Ghana, visiting local football academies and reconnecting with family. Sources close to the player say he is considering offers from clubs in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
National Reflection
The double loss has left a deep void in Ghana’s political and administrative leadership. Colleagues of the late leaders have spoken of their dedication, humility, and ability to bridge divides in a sometimes polarised political climate.
The widespread turnout for the prayers, cutting across political affiliations, underscored the shared sense of grief and the recognition of their contributions to the country’s progress.
Calls for Safety Reforms
In the wake of the crash, civil society groups and transportation experts have urged the government to prioritise aviation safety, particularly for state officials who travel frequently on official assignments.
Proposals include more rigorous maintenance schedules for government aircraft, enhanced pilot training for adverse weather conditions, and stricter enforcement of safety protocols.
Final Farewell
As the sun set over Accra on Sunday, the nation bid farewell to two men whose careers were dedicated to public service. The sight of Ghana’s top political leaders standing alongside sports icons like Andre Ayew sent a message of unity at a time of shared national sorrow.
For Ayew, it was a moment to step off the football pitch and join fellow citizens in honouring lives lost — a reminder that beyond sport and politics lies a common identity as Ghanaians bound together by grief, respect, and hope for a better future.
In Their Memory
The families of Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed have expressed gratitude for the outpouring of condolences and solidarity from across the country and abroad.
Memorial services are expected to continue in the coming weeks in both Accra and their hometowns, giving more Ghanaians the opportunity to pay their respects.
As the country mourns, the legacies of the two leaders — one in championing environmental progress and the other in safeguarding national security — will remain part of Ghana’s ongoing journey toward development and unity.
