On August 6, 2025, Ghana lost eight senior officials in a military helicopter crash, including Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
This article provides a detailed account of Murtala Muhammed’s life, political career, and personal background, highlighting his contributions to national development and public service.
Early life and education Born on December 14, 1974, in Ghana’s Northern Region, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was a proud Muslim whose journey began in the classrooms of Tamale.
He earned a Teacher’s Certificate A from Tamale College of Education before pursuing higher education at the University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He held a Master of Arts in Development Studies and qualifications in international relations and development planning2.
Political career Murtala’s political rise was marked by resilience and service. He first entered Parliament in 2013 as MP for Nanton, later representing Tamale Central from 2021 until his death in 2025. His roles included:
- Deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations (2013–2014)
- Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry (2014–2017)
- Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (Feb 2025–Aug 2025)
Personal life and wife Murtala was married and a father of three. Though he kept his family life private, he was widely regarded as a loving husband and devoted father. His wife’s name is Hajia Hadiatu Murtala.
Tragic death and national mourning On August 6, 2025, Murtala Muhammed died in a military helicopter crash en route to Obuasi. The Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 aircraft went off radar and crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District, killing all eight onboard, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and other senior officials. The nation was plunged into mourning, with flags flown at half-mast and tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum.
