The family of the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, has described his death in the August 6 military helicopter crash as a loss that will leave “grief forever” in their hearts.
At an interdenominational state funeral in Accra on Friday, August 15, his siblings said the Tamale Central MP’s passing had left them shattered, but their faith offered comfort.
“While we grieve, we pray. And while we pray, we immortalise his presence in our hearts… that’s how we manifest our love and loyalty to him,” the family’s tribute read. “Allah’s ways are not our ways. While we love him, Allah loves him more. So, he gave him a good demise, however, horrified we feel about it.”
The family said they took solace in the belief that Dr Murtala died “serving country and his people, fighting a jihad in the true sense of the word; so that tomorrow would be better.”
Dr Murtala was among eight people killed when a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter went down at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region while en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Community and Cooperative Mining Programme.
Other victims included Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, and three crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
‘A promising officer’
At the same ceremony, staff of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) paid tribute to Samuel Aboagye, one of the victims, describing him as a rising star within the organisation whose warmth and dedication left a deep impression.
“He made every person feel valued, seen, and appreciated,” a representative said. “Although his time with us was brief, his impact will be felt forever. His greatest strength was his humility; his infectious smile made him well approachable and unforgettable.”
Mr Aboagye, who had briefly served as Deputy Director-General in charge of protocol at NADMO, was remembered as a colleague who “worked alongside everyone, opened his door for all, and offered encouragement” in a way that inspired confidence and unity.
The August 6 crash is one of the deadliest military aviation accidents in Ghana in recent years and has sparked national mourning for the victims’ service and sacrifice.