Murtala Mohammed’s vision lives on at MESTI

Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, is remembered for his empathy, diligence and visionary leadership.
Gloria Holm-Graves, Head of Public Relations at the Ministry, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that although Dr Mohammed led the Ministry for only a few months, he had endeared himself to staff through his goal-oriented work ethic and cordial relations.
“He would come to the office very early in the morning, before seven, and usually he comes to my office first. Then he would climb up, and sometimes he would check on other people. He looked out for everyone.
“He had a lot of vision, was very resilient and had a strong personality. He was a man on the go, sort of and did not have room for, let’s wait till tomorrow. He wanted to have everything done whilst he could,” she said.
Madam Holm-Graves noted that the late Minister had initiated efforts to enhance the Ministry’s impact by integrating academic research with commercialisation strategies to benefit the country and beyond.
She said the Ministry was working towards this goal when news of his death in a helicopter crash was received.
“So he put together the best forum, which we launched the maiden edition earlier in the year, and we expected him to launch the second one in September.
“However, we have lost him, and it is difficult for us to come to terms with his departure. He had a lot of foresight, he had a lot of vision, he was a man of the people, sort of. And with him, there was so much to be done,” she added.
On current operations at MESTI, Madam Holm-Graves said the Chief Director, senior and junior staff remained at post, with activities and programmes ongoing despite the period of mourning.
Prince Anuwar Sadat, Country Director of Future Leaders Model, United Nations Ghana, and Project Manager for Eco Green Oasis Legacy, also paid tribute to the late Minister’s humility and commitment to climate advocacy and youth mentorship.
“I remember my personal encounter with him on my way to Tamale at the airport, where I had sat on a seat in the bus and he came and I stood up to give the seat to him. Later an elderly woman came into the bus and he also stood up and gave the seat to her.
“That was one of the moments that made me know that Honourable Murtala indeed is humble and down to earth,” he said.
Mr. Sadat said Dr Mohammed would be remembered for inspiring young people from northern Ghana to pursue national leadership and for supporting climate-related initiatives.
He offered prayers for the late Minister, who was buried at the military cemetery on Sunday.
“In the Quran, Chapter 2, Verse 155, it says Allah is the one who gives and takes…. We pray that we shall meet again in Jannatul Fridaus and also pray that Allah continue to give comfort to the family that he has left behind,” he said.
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed died in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, along with seven others, including the Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah.