Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, family members and scores of sympathisers on Thursday gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of the passing of former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who tragically lost his life alongside other government officials in a helicopter crash at Obuasi during an anti-galamsey mission.
The solemn remembrance ceremony celebrated the life, service and enduring legacy of the late minister, whose contributions to environmental governance, scientific innovation and public service continue to resonate across the country.
Among the dignitaries present were Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Gilbert Kenneth Adjei Mensah, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, Minister for Transport, Bukari Nikpe, Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Nelson-Rockson Dafeamekpor, as well as several Members of Parliament from northern Ghana.
Delivering a tribute, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, described Dr. Murtala Mohammed as a visionary leader whose commitment to environmental protection transformed national discourse on sustainability.
According to Mr. Armah Buah, the late minister viewed environmental stewardship not merely as government policy but as a collective responsibility rooted in Ghanaian values and faith traditions. He praised Dr. Murtala Mohammed’s efforts to place environmental protection at the centre of national development while encouraging citizens to see conservation as a shared duty.
The Lands Minister highlighted several landmark achievements of the late minister, including his role in the repeal of Legislative Instrument 2462, which he said contributed significantly to efforts aimed at protecting Ghana’s forests. He also cited the successful hosting of the 2025 Africa Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence high-level meeting, which culminated in the Accra Declaration, as well as the establishment of the biannual Environment, Science and Technology Forum to bridge the gap between research, innovation and commercial application.
Mr. Armah Buah further commended Dr. Murtala Mohammed’s efforts in advancing Ghana’s blue economy agenda in collaboration with the fisheries sector and his support for community-centred environmental initiatives such as the One Child, One Tree campaign, designed to nurture environmental consciousness among young people.
“He was a dedicated public servant of integrity who believed in connecting research to the everyday lives of Ghanaians,” Mr. Armah Buah stated, urging government institutions and stakeholders to sustain the programmes and ideals championed by the late minister.
Also addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Dr. Yussif Sulemana, said the annual memorial was necessary to honour a statesman whose service to the nation left a lasting impact.
He encouraged mourners to celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. Murtala Mohammed rather than focus solely on the pain of his loss, while offering prayers for strength and guidance for his family and all public servants dedicated to national development.
The ceremony featured Quran recitations, prayers and tributes from religious leaders, with special recognition given to the National Chief Imam for his continued role in promoting unity and providing spiritual guidance to the nation. Speakers also paid tribute to the late minister’s family, particularly his widow, for her unwavering support throughout his public service career.
Several speakers reflected on Dr. Murtala Mohammed’s distinguished service in Parliament and government, describing him as a humble, hardworking and principled leader whose dedication to public service inspired many.
As Ghana marked one year since the tragic helicopter crash that claimed his life and those of other government officials during an anti-galamsey mission, participants called for renewed commitment to the environmental and developmental causes he championed.
The ceremony ended with prayers of thanksgiving and a collective pledge to uphold the values of integrity, service and national development that defined the life and legacy of Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
