The Ghanaian Minaret

Accra: Two Muslims involved in the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals have been laid to rest at the military cemetery in Accra.

The two were Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, a minister of Environment, Science and Technology, and Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, deputy national security coordinator.

Salat Janaza (funeral prayer) was held for the two at the forecourt of the state house, a ceremony led by Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, the national chief Imam, and witnessed by the president, John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang and the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Bagbin.

The deceased were later taken to the military cemetery, where they were interred amid supplications that were said by Muslim clerics.

During his address at the cemetery, the president expressed gratitude to the muslim families for their patience with the delay associated with identifying the bodies through DNA.

He also said he was appreciative that they allowed the remains to be buried at the military cemetery, adding that, “We do believe that this is a conducive resting place for the two brothers, and the families are free to visit their graves anytime that they want to do so.”

He said that the early arrival of the results for the two individuals paved the way for the relatively early burial.

“We do recognise that in Islam when a person dies, he is supposed to be interred as quickly as possible,” he said.

He disclosed that the forensic reports for the six others have also arrived, and the government would consult with families to decide how funerals would be held.

“On the 15th of this month, we will hold a state funeral for all of them,” the president said.

The president described both Dr Murtala and Alhaji Muniru as very close to him; hence, their demise was a very deep loss for him.

He said he mentored the late Dr Murtala from when he became a new member of Parliament for the Nanton constituency.

“Murtala has been a devout member of our team, one of our very bright intellectuals, very eloquent in Parliament, and he had been a part of our reset agenda,” the president eulogised him.

“Muniru was like a younger brother. A permanent fixture in my house, he acted almost like my personal assistant, and I sent him on errands.”

Sheikh Sharubutu for his part prayed that all supplications made for the deceased are answered by Allah.

He also prayed that the testimonies of good virtues shared about the deceased be a source of mercy for them in the hereafter.

He said the acceptance of Allah’s decree for death upon a loved one brings contentment and tranquillity to the heart of the bereaved.

“Allah will guarantee your guidance because you have accepted in a contented manner that which he has determined in your life. Indeed, in the guidance of Allah is that which we desire constantly in our lives,” he said.

Other funeral rites are to be communicated by the families at a later date.