The Member of Parliament (MP) for Salaga-South, Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, has penned an emotional tribute to the late Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, and seven others who perished in a tragic military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.

The victims were en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) when the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crashed.

In her tribute, titled “In Remembrance: A Tribute to Our Fallen Leaders and Heroes”, Hajia Zuwera expressed profound grief and shock at the loss of Alhaji Muniru, whom she described as a pivotal figure in the development of Salaga-South.

“Your name is synonymous with the 15 boreholes, the two dams, and countless roads reshaped and gravelled,” she wrote, highlighting his contributions to the constituency.

She recalled a recent conversation on July 30, 2025, during which Alhaji Muniru promised to send a team to assess the needs for schools and clinics along the riverbanks — a demonstration of his commitment to actionable solutions.

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The MP also paid tribute to Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and MP for Tamale Central, with whom she shared a meaningful moment over kenkey on July 29, 2025, after his contribution to the mid-year budget debate.

She praised his integrity, mentorship, and frequent references to the Prophet Mohammed and the Holy Quran in parliamentary speeches.

“We will forever miss your passionate spirit,” she emphasised.

Other victims of the accident included Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Samuel Aboagye, former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East and NADMO Deputy Director-General; and three Ghana Air Force crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Hajia Zuwera described the collective loss as a reminder of life’s fragility, urging national unity in grief.

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She recounted the moment she learned of the tragedy, initially dismissing social media reports as a cruel joke until the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed the devastating news.

“I’ve carried the weight of your loss, wept in the quiet moments, wrestled with unanswerable questions,” she wrote, describing the emotional toll of witnessing the victims’ caskets being unloaded from a Ghana Air Force plane.

Alhaji Muniru, born on August 8, 1967, in Damongo Langbonto, Savannah Region, served in various roles under President John Dramani Mahama’s first term, including Northern Regional Minister, Upper East Regional Minister, Minister of Food and Agriculture, and Minister of State in charge of Human Resources and Scholarships.

His appointment as Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator came just weeks before the crash.

His educational background included a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ghana and advanced degrees in Health Policy, Planning, and Financing from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of London (LSE).

The Salaga-South MP noted Alhaji Muniru’s resourcefulness during the 2024 NDC campaign and his dedication to the fundraising committee, leaving a lasting legacy in Salaga-South and the Savannah Region.

She prayed for Allah to grant all victims Jannah Firdaws and comfort their families.

President John Dramani Mahama has declared a three-day national mourning period starting August 7, 2025, with flags flown at half-mast.

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A state funeral is scheduled for August 15, 2025, at Black Star Square, and books of condolence will be opened from August 10 to August 14 at various locations, including the Ministries of Defence and Environment, Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, NDC headquarters, and NADMO head office.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full investigation into the crash, with the flight data and cockpit voice recorders retrieved to help determine the cause.

Read the full tribute below:

In Remembrance: A Tribute to Our Fallen Leaders and Heroes By Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah (MP Salaga South)

6th August, 2025

I struggled to stand on my feet, I struggled to stay steady, I struggled to keep my eyes dry, I struggled to find my pen— For I was in shock.

The unbearable truth slowly dawned on me, yet my vision remained blurred. Comrades Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Hon. Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Dr. Edward Omane Boama, brother Samuel Sarpong, brother Samuel Aboagye, and the three brave crew members— you have departed too soon. You have left us sinking in profound pain, drowning in tears, and gripped by a fear of life’s fragility. What first seemed a cruel joke on social media became a devastating reality when the Chief of Staff’s voice, firm yet heavy, confirmed our worst nightmare.

Since that tragic announcement, I have not been the same. I’ve carried the weight of your loss, wept in the quiet moments, wrestled with unanswerable questions, and finally confronted the chilling reality of watching your caskets being gently lifted from the Ghana Air Force plane. I washed my hands in solemn ablution and knelt in prayer on my sajada, the night wrapped around me, praying for your souls until the first light of dawn.

Rest in eternal peace, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. Just days ago, on Tuesday 29th July, we shared kenkey together after your brilliant, fiery contribution to the mid-year budget debate in Parliament. It was a private moment between just the two of us—deep and meaningful. You shared your wisdom and generously offered guidance for my work both as an MP and a board member.

In that conversation, you spoke as though you sensed it might be the last time we would speak. We will forever miss your passionate spirit, your profound knowledge, your unwavering integrity, your mentorship, and above all, your heartfelt references to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and the Holy Quran during your speeches on the floor of parliament. In those moments, I felt a deep pride. May Allah (SWT) grant you Jannah Firdaws and comfort your family in this time of immense loss. Rest well, “My MP.”

Chief Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, your untimely departure still leaves me shattered. I had planned to visit you in your office on the very day of the crash, Wednesday 6th August. When I first heard your name mentioned by the Chief of Staff, I refused to believe it.

I stood as your name was spoken and slumped to a chair overwhelmed by grief. Allah has called you home, but your legacy will forever be etched in the heart of the Salaga-South Constituency. Your name is synonymous with the 15 boreholes, the two dams, and countless roads reshaped and gravelled. We remain eternally grateful for your tireless humanity.

We spoke just days ago, on Wednesday 30th July. You called me when I had stepped away from my office, and I was immediately struck by your loud, familiar laughter when you answered my returned call. “Haba Hajia, here too,” you said, and laughter followed. You spoke with pragmatism and sincerity about the challenges in my constituency, promising to send a team to assess the needs for schools and clinics along the riverbanks following my request. You did not offer excuses, only action—a man of principle and commitment.

I had promised to visit you in your new office, a visit that now will remain forever unfulfilled.

Your resourcefulness shone brightly during the 2024 campaign, your dedication to the fundraising committee unmatched. The people of Salaga-South and the entire Savannah Region mourn your loss deeply and will continue to pray for your soul. May Allah (SWT) receive you into Jannah.

The tragic loss of these distinguished souls and our brave crew reminds us of life’s fragility and the unity that binds us. As a nation, and as a constituency, we share this collective grief with heavy hearts but with prayers that Allah (SWT) grant each of you eternal peace in Jannah. Rest in peace, dear brothers, until we meet again.

GA/BAI

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