The final Islamic funeral rites for former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, were held today in Tamale, drawing hundreds of mourners from across the country.
From early morning, the family home in Changli and the surrounding streets were filled with relatives, political allies, friends and residents, all gathered to honour the late MP for Tamale Central.
Qur’anic recitations and solemn prayers, led by Islamic clerics, set the tone for a day steeped in both grief and deep respect for his legacy.
Political leaders, traditional rulers and citizens stood side by side, setting aside differences to remember a man many described as a unifier and a dedicated public servant.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah called him “a fantastic all-round intellectual in both letters and religion,” urging party members to avoid rushing to choose his successor so as not to dishonour his memory.
He also encouraged the continuation of the charitable works Dr Murtala had begun, particularly his sponsorship of students.
Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu pledged to take over the sponsorship of 47 medical students supported by the late minister, promising to see them through to their dreams of becoming doctors.
He vowed to complete the projects Dr Murtala had left unfinished, describing him as a man who worked tirelessly to unite northern MPs for the region’s development.
Dr Murtala was among eight victims of the August 6 Ghana Air Force helicopter crash, which also claimed the lives of senior government officials and military personnel.
He was buried on Sunday at the Military Cemetery in Accra.
Speaking for the family, his brother Ibrahim Jabir expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government, political leaders, traditional authorities and all sympathisers, saying the outpouring of love and honour “would please his Maker.”
