Late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was a respected statesman and development planner whose career in public service spanned more than a decade, marked by dedication to his constituents and a deep commitment to national progress.
His life and service were cut short on 6th August 2025, when he tragically died in a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region while on his way to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining operation.
He was Ghana’s Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, and was admired for his humility, humour, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
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Full Name: Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed
Born: 14 December 1974, Tamale, Ghana
Died: 6 August 2025, Adansi Akrofuom District, Ashanti Region
Religion/Family: Muslim; married with three children
Political Party: National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Profession: Politician; Development Planner
Education
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed began his basic education at St. Peter’s Primary School (Kulikuli School) in Tamale before enrolling at Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO). He trained as a teacher at Tamale College of Education (TACE, formerly TATCO) and obtained a Teacher’s Certificate A. He further pursued higher studies, earning a Master’s degree in Development Planning from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), a Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Ghana, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Ghana.
Early Public Service & Advocacy
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed’s public service journey began in youth activism. In 1999, he served as General Secretary of the All-African Students Union (AASU), championing educational reforms and youth engagement across the continent.
In 2009, under President John Evans Atta Mills, he was appointed Deputy National Coordinator of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), which later rebranded as the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEDA).
arliamentary Journey
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed’s entry into parliamentary politics was marked by determination. In 2006, after Wayo Seini vacated the Tamale Central seat, he contested the NDC primary but lost to Inusah Fuseini, who retained the seat in 2008. In 2012, he shifted to Nanton, winning the parliamentary election with 10,369 votes (52.66%) against incumbent Abdul-Kareem Iddrisu. He served in the Sixth Parliament (2013–2017).
In 2016, he lost the Nanton seat to Mohammed Hardi Tuferu. However, in August 2019, with Inusah Fuseini stepping aside in Tamale Central, Murtala won the NDC primary and later, in the 2020 general elections, secured the seat with 41,156 votes. In 2024, he was re-elected with 52,263 votes to his opponent’s 16,647, retaining the Tamale Central seat in the Ninth Parliament (2025–2029).
Ministerial Roles
President John Dramani Mahama appointed Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed as Deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations in 2013. In 2014, following a merger of the Information/Media Relations and Communications portfolios, he became Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry under Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, serving until the NPP took office in 2017.
In February 2025, President Mahama appointed him Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation. Parliament approved his nomination, and he assumed office on 12 February 2025, succeeding Kwaku Afriyie. He held this portfolio until his passing.
Development Projects in Tamale Central
Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed’s tenure as MP for Tamale Central was marked by extensive development initiatives including:
Education: Renovated several schools, provided free classes and supplies for students, established a tertiary education support fund, and introduced a mobile library service.
Healthcare: Offered scholarships to medical students, supplied medical equipment, and constructed three health facilities.
Infrastructure: Developed inner-city roads in areas such as Changli and Gumbihini, and drilled 80 mechanized boreholes.
Community Development: Facilitated hundreds of job placements, provided financial support for women entrepreneurs, and oversaw the construction of an artificial turf field.
Snapshot of Seats & Dates
MP, Nanton: 2013–2017
Deputy Minister, Information & Media Relations: 2013–2014
Deputy Minister, Trade & Industry: 2014–2017
MP, Tamale Central: 7 Jan 2021 – 6 Aug 2025 (re-elected Dec 2024)
Minister, Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation: Feb 2025 – 6 Aug 2025
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed’s death at age 50 cut short a career built on persistence, public service, and a commitment to community transformation.