Ghana is in mourning after a military helicopter crash claimed eight lives, including two cabinet ministers.
The crash occurred in the forested Adansi region as the delegation traveled for a government mission in Obuasi.
This piece explores the identities of the deceased, their service to the nation, and the purpose of their ill-fated journey.
Here’s the formal, comprehensive biographies for Hon. Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Hon. Limuna Mohammed‑Muniru, enriched with verified details for accuracy, clarity, and readability:
1. Hon. Dr. Samuel Sarpong (10 November 1957 – 6 August 2025)
Age at Death: 67 years
Early Life & Education: Born on 10 November 1957 in Ejisu, Ashanti Region, Ghana. He attended Osei Tutu Senior High School (O‑Level, 1978), followed by Wesley College, Kumasi, where he completed teacher training (1981–1984).
Career: He began as a teacher of sports at Juabeng Secondary School before moving into public service. Samuel Sarpong served as both Ashanti Regional Minister and Central Regional Minister under President John Mahama. At the time of his death, he was Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Additional Career Achievements: In the private sector, he held executive and advisory roles, including Managing Director at National Investment Bank (NIB), Chief Operating Officer and Transformation Officer at GCB Bank, and strategic advisor posts in Canada, covering institutions such as CIBC and GE Money. He earned a BSc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (KNUST), a Master’s in Management (UNIVERSITY OF Guelph, Ontario), and an MBA (Wilfrid Laurier University).
Personal Life: No public information on his spouse or children.
Death: Died in the helicopter crash near Adansi Akrofuom District while traveling with other senior officials for government duties on 6 August 2025.
2. Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (14 December 1974 – 6 August 2025)
Age at Death: 50 years
Early Life & Education: Born in Tamale on 14 December 1974. Educated at Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) and trained as a teacher (Certificate A) at Tamale College of Education (1999). He holds a BA in Psychology (2003), MSc in Development Planning (2008), MA in International Relations & Diplomacy (2009), LLB (2016), and a PhD in Political Science (2020).
Career:
Deputy National Coordinator of the National Youth Employment Programme (2009–2012).
MP for Nanton (2013–2017); later MP for Tamale Central (2021–2025).
Deputy Minister for Information & Media Relations, then Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry (2013–2017).
Appointed Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation (MESTI) in February 2025. Known for policy-driven environmental leadership.
Personal Life: Muslim, married with three children
Death: Died in the Z‑9 military helicopter crash en route to Obuasi on 6 August 2025 during an anti-galamsey and environmental mission.
3. Alhaji Limuna Mohammed‑Muniru (8 August 1967 – 6 August 2025)
Age at Death: Just shy of 58 years.
Early Life & Education: Born 8 August 1967 in Damongo Langbonto, Savannah Region. His education included United Primary School (1972–1977), Vitting JSS (1977–1980), Damongo Secondary (O‑Levels, 1980–1984), Tamale Secondary (A‑Levels, 1986–1988), BA from University of Ghana (1990–1993), PGDip in Public Administration (GIMPA, 2005), MSc in Health Policy Planning & Financing (LSE, 2006–2007), and PGDip in same specialty (LSHTM, 2007–2008).
Happy Birthday To Aihaji Limuna Mohammed‑Muniru, Born on 8th August.
Career:
Began as Assistant Director in admin and policy planning roles in Health Ministry (1997–2004).
Administrator and NHIS Desk Officer (2004–2009), then Project Coordinator for Health Insurance Project, NHIS (2009–2010).
Served as Northern Regional Minister, Upper East Regional Minister, and Minister of State in charge of Human Resources & Scholarships at the Presidency. At time of death, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator (Human Security) under President Mahama
Graphic Online.
Personal Life: Married with four children. Fluent in English, Hausa, Twi, Gonja, and Dagbani.
Death: Died aboard the helicopter that crashed near Obuasi on 6 August 2025 during mission for environment and security oversight
