Murtala Mohammed was patriotic, devoted public servant — Kofi Buah 

Mr Emmanuel Amarh Kofi Buah, the Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, has described the late Dr Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed as a patriotic lawmaker and devoted public servant whose life was defined by excellence, humility, integrity and selfless service to Ghana.

He said Dr Mohammed’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, scientific advancement and national development, had left an enduring legacy that would continue to inspire generations.

Mr Buah made the remarks at an Adua prayer on Friday August 7, organised by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology in memory of the late Minister, and as part of activities marking the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people.

Sheikh Alhaji Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam, led Islamic prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Minister.

The solemn event brought together senior government officials, Members of Parliament, traditional and religious leaders, family members, friends and staff of the Ministry.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Buah said although the nation continued to mourn the tragic loss of the eight victims, it was equally important to celebrate a life that was lived with purpose and dedicated to public service.

“We have come together today to pray for, honour and cherish a towering son of Dagbon in Ghana, a dear brother and comrade, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who served with exceptional distinction as Minister of Environment, Science and Technology.”

“He was a patriotic lawmaker, a devoted public servant whose life embodied excellence, humility, integrity and selfless service,” he said.

Mr Buah noted that throughout his public career, Dr Mohammed demonstrated exceptional intellect, unflinching patriotism and an unwavering desire to improve the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

He recounted the late Minister’s service as a Deputy Minister of Information and Media Relations, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, and Member of Parliament before his appointment as Minister responsible for the environment sector.

Mr Buah said the late Dr Mohammed recognised that environmental sustainability, scientific research and technological innovation were indispensable pillars for Ghana’s transformation.

He recalled that during his parliamentary vetting, the late Minister stressed that environmental protection transcended politics and represented a moral as well as a spiritual obligation.

Quoting the late Dr Mohammed, Mr Buah said: “Genesis 2:15 and Qur’an 2:30 both emphasise our duty to safeguard the environment. It is not just a policy matter but a collective responsibility.”

He said in that single statement, the late Minister captured the very soul of his mission, understanding that environmental stewardship was not political, but spiritual and essential.

Mr Buah, who is also the substantive Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, said despite spending only six months in office, Dr Mohammed initiated far-reaching reforms that continued to shape the work of the Ministry.

He cited among the achievements the repeal of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which had permitted mining in forest reserves, the hosting of the 2025 African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) high-level meeting that culminated in the Accra Declaration, and the launch of the biannual Environmental Science and Technology Best Forum to strengthen research partnerships and innovation.

He also credited the late Minister with advancing the initial development of Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy and launching the “One Child, One Tree” campaign aimed at instilling environmental responsibility among school children.

Mr Buah said the Ministry remained committed to building upon the foundation laid by Dr Mohammed.

“What has been accomplished at this Ministry was made possible because of the foundation he laid during his brief and impactful tenure,” he stressed.

He urged Ghanaians to honour the late Minister’s memory by embracing the values he championed, including honest leadership, environmental responsibility, scientific progress and dedicated service to the nation.

“Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, you served your nation with distinction. Your legacy endures, your memory will remain cherished, and your example will continue to inspire generations,” he said.

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, in a media interview on the sideline of the event, said the late Dr Mohammed, regarded environmental protection as a moral responsibility and consistently advocated for safeguarding the country’s natural resources for future generations.

He said the best Ghanaians could honour his memory and that of all those who perished in that tragic crash was to preserve and protect the environment, and to help the authorities succeed in the fight against galamsey to safeguard water bodies, farmlands and enhance air quality.

GNA