Late Murtala Muhammed was a tireless, dedicated leader – Environment Ministry

The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation has paid glowing tribute to its late sector minister, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, hailing his punctuality, exceptional work ethic, and unwavering commitment to public service as qualities that will remain etched in the nation’s memory.

At the Evening of Reflections and Memorial on Saturday, August 9, the Ministry’s Chief Director, Suweibah Adam, recalled how Dr. Murtala effortlessly juggled his responsibilities at the Ministry, in Parliament, and within the Presidency, without showing signs of strain.

“Punctuality was his trademark,” she said. “He consistently reported to work between 6:30 am and 7:30 am, using the early hours to respond to official emails and critical correspondences before attending to the day’s engagements.”

She noted his warmth, humility, and respect towards all Ministry stakeholders, adding that his ability to multitask earned him admiration from colleagues and development partners alike.

“He inspired the youth on public sector management, and the impact of his leadership will continue to be felt through the numerous national programmes and initiatives he helped shape,” she added.

Dr. Murtala Muhammed was among eight individuals who lost their lives in the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The other victims included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The Z-9 military helicopter was headed to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP) when it went off radar. Samples of the victims’ remains have been sent to South Africa for DNA analysis as part of ongoing investigations.

The government has announced that Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, both Muslim victims of the crash, will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic tradition. Janazah prayers will be held on Sunday, August 10, at 2:00 p.m. at the Forecourt of the State House, followed by burial at the Military Cemetery in Accra at 2:30 p.m.

An inter-denominational state funeral for all eight victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square, where the nation will pay its final respects to the fallen officials.