REMEMBERING A BRILLIANT MIND AND CHERISHED BROTHER
My Eulogy for a Beloved Minister and Proud Son of Dagbon
Honorable Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed
There are moments in life when words struggle to rise to the occasion, when the sheer weight of loss draws silence from even the most eloquent among us. Today, as I endeavor to pay tribute to a remarkable compatriot and dear brother, I feel that silence pressing in. Yet I am compelled to speak, compelled to honor a life that blazed with promise, vision, patriotism, respect and kindness – a life cut tragically short in that horrific helicopter crash of August 6, 2025, that claimed not only my brother, but seven other patriotic kindred souls.
How does one encapsulate the spirit of a person who embodied the very ideals of service, intellect, and compassion? How does one render, with mere words, the magnitude of a loss that resonates not only through personal circles but reverberates far beyond, touching the fabric of a nation?
Let me begin with the memory of this younger compatriot, a radiant presence, whose impact belied their years. From our earliest acquaintance, it was apparent that Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed – Comrade Murtala as he often preferred to be addressed – was someone destined for great things. His resilient journey was meteoric yet never hurried; each step on the path was taken with thoughtfulness, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. In a world that often prizes ambition for its own sake, Comrade Murtala exemplified a rare kind of leadership – one that sought power not for personal gain, but as a tool for transformation. He demonstrated this in his numerous media appearances and at social gatherings.
When earlier this year (2025) he was appointed as the Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, I knew he would bring to that office a profound sense of urgency and hope. I was proven right when during his vetting, he handled his questions with unblemished clarity. When he spoke of the environment, it was never in abstract terms or mere political platitudes – he spoke as a steward of all that was the environment – the land, the air, the water, and the welfare of generations yet to come. His commitment to the environment was not merely professional – it was personal. During the 2025 World Environment Day, as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed had this to say:
“Environmental protection begins with the small actions we take today. The ‘One Child, One Tree’ initiative is both practical and symbolic. We see this as a critical step in engaging young people directly in restoring our environment and helping to shape a greener, more sustainable Ghana for tomorrow”.
The event focused on two key objectives: raising public awareness about plastic use and waste management, and the launch of a major national tree planting campaign and was held at the Kwabenya Senior High School – that is headed by my spouse – to plant the first trees under the initiative.
Comrade Murtala’s vetting also revealed that his vision for science was rooted in possibility, in the belief that innovation could unlock solutions to our most pressing problems, and that technology, wisely harnessed, could elevate our society. His short tenure was marked by bold initiatives: a genuine intent for championing of renewable energy, the protection of delicate ecosystems, the advancement of educational programs for young scientists, and the encouragement of responsible technological growth.
But public achievements, as impressive as they are, tell only part of the story. It is in the quieter moments, the personal interactions, that the full measure of my brother was revealed. I recall the two occasions when we spent time in conversations on the nuances of climate policy and renewable energy, particularly the deployment of nuclear energy to which he remained resolute on implementing despite my argument that Ghana needed to make haste slowly and to exhaust other renewable energy potentials such as solar energy before such consideration. The Honorable Minister always listened more than he spoke during our interactions and when spoke, his words carried the weight of sincerity and thought.
The tragedy that claimed his life and the lives of seven others is a wound that will take long to heal. It is difficult to comprehend that someone so vibrant, so vital, is gone. The news of the accident arrived like a blow, rendering the ordinary rhythms of life suddenly unfamiliar. In a matter of hours that followed, my family and I found ourselves immersed in mourning – just as happened across the country. I followed the tributes that poured in from all corners; each message spoke to the enduring legacy of a life lived with purpose and heart.
I find myself returning, again and again, to memories of my brother’s affable smiles. They were often bright, infectious, capable of dissolving the gravest of moods. Comrade Murtala had a way of reminding those around him that even in the face of adversity, joy could still be found, and hope cultivated. His optimism was not naive; it was hard-won, tested by the challenges of public service, and fortified by a deep belief in the power of spiritually and the overarching guidance of Almighty Allah.
In reflecting on the legacy of my brother Murtala, I am reminded of a line from a favorite poem: “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” My Dagbon compatriot’s life – though brief – was filled with meaning, accomplishment, and love. Let us carry his memory as a beacon, guiding us onward through the uncertainties of tomorrow. Let us honor him not with mere words, but with action – by continuing his work, by striving for the ideals he cherished, by tending to the world with the same care and courage that he showed.
As grief continues to weigh heavily, I am comforted by the knowledge that Comrade Murtala’s influence persists. Each of us who knew him carries forward a part of what he stood for. In our work, our friendships, our commitments to justice and progress, his spirit and example endures.
To the seven others lost in the crash: their contributions, too, must be honored. Each was a valued member of our country – icons in their own rights – with dreams and devotion of their own. Together, their lives formed a tapestry of service and dedication, now rendered bittersweet by departure – Allah knows best.
Their legacy will flourish wherever seeds of hope are sown, wherever minds are awakened to the wonders of science, wherever hands join together to protect our fragile earth. May their soul, and the souls of those who perished alongside them, rest in peace. May we, who remain, find strength in unity, solace in remembrance, and inspiration in the example they set.
Today, we grieve. Tomorrow, we build – ever guided by the memory of a friend whose light will never be extinguished.
Your Elder Brother and Dagbon Compatriot; Abdulai Baba Salifu.
