Andre Ayew Manhandled by Otumfuo’s 'Bodyguard' at Dr Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Muniru’s Burial
- Andre Ayew experienced an awkward moment at the state burial of Dr Murtala Muhammed and Muniru Lumina Mohammed
- The Ghanaian footballer joined mourners at the State House to bid farewell to the politicians who perished in the helicopter crash
- The 35-year-old former national captain is currently in Ghana, pushing to finalise a new club deal before the transfer window closes
What was meant to be a solemn day of respect for two fallen Ghanaian national figures took an unexpected turn when former Black Stars captain, Andre Ayew, found himself at the centre of an uncomfortable scene on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
Mourners gathered at the State House to pay their respects to late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and Alhaji Muniru Lumina, Deputy Director General for National Security.
Source: Twitter
Both men, practising Muslims, were among eight individuals who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Obuasi on August 6.
Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Muniru given state burial
Their remains were brought to the State House, where Islamic Janazah prayers were performed before they were entrusted to Allah.
Military personnel then escorted the coffins to Burma Camp’s cemetery for burial.
The ceremony was attended by President John Mahama, National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, senior government officials, and family members, as well as sympathisers.
The atmosphere was heavy with grief but also filled with honour for the two men who died in service to the nation.
Source: Facebook
Andre Ayew 'manhandled' by Otumfuo's bodyguard
Among the mourners was former Black Stars captain Andre Ayew, himself a devout Muslim, who came to pay his respects, as noted by Ghanasoccernet.
However, as the veteran footballer arrived, an incident caught on camera drew attention away from the day’s solemnity.
In a video that has since spread across social media, Seidu Mbah, a self-proclaimed bodyguard of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was seen gripping Ayew’s arm, seemingly to direct him.
The gesture, however, appeared forceful, and many online viewers felt it crossed a line. The controversial video is included below:
The footage sparked a wave of criticism:
@_ghanaprince wrote:
"Which kind of by-force bodyguard job be this?"
@Sika1135 expressed anger:
"That guy be some way waaa! Wai he dey pull our captain like dat😡😡😡😡😡😡😡"
@Elikem_official called it out plainly:
"Total disrespect to Ayew."
@ClydeMania tried to find reason:
"I think he was passing the wrong way."
@Nanaezze summed it up with humour:
"By force bodyguardism."
Meanwhile, the remaining six from the helicopter crash will be given a state burial on August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square, according to a release from the Presidency.
Andre Ayew: career crossroads amid national sorrow
Fresh from the emotional events, Ayew has now parted ways with French side Le Havre, according to Foot Africa. He enjoyed two memorable seasons there, scoring important goals and acting as a big brother in the dressing room, inspiring younger teammates with his hard work.
The 35-year-old, who has played in three World Cups and several AFCONs, has built a career on grit, always bouncing back from injuries, criticism, and pressure to remain one of Ghana’s most celebrated footballers.
Transfermarkt statistics indicate that in Ayew's long-spanning domestic career, he has scored 163 goals and provided 55 assists in 590 appearances for clubs in France, England, Turkey, and Qatar.
Now back home, he’s keeping fit with private training while his agents explore options in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Word is that clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia are interested, with talk of a possible return to the Ghana Premier League too.
With the transfer window closing fast, time is short. His next move could not only define the final stretch of his career but also seal his legacy as a national icon looking for one more adventure while Ghana grieves its fallen heroes from the Obuasi tragedy.
For Ayew, the next chapter is as much about pride as it is about football.
Murtala Muhammed, footballer hang in old photo
YEN.com.gh also reported on a resurfaced photo of the late Dr Murtala Murtala Muhammed meeting up with a former Chelsea star in London stirring emotional reactions online.
The image captured him alongside Willian Borges da Silva at Heathrow Airport. While Dr Murtala never openly declared his love for football, many suspected he had a soft spot for the Blues.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
