Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has penned a heartfelt tribute to the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, describing him as a visionary leader whose sudden passing has left a deep void in Ghana’s public service.
In her message, delivered after attending Murtala’s burial, Madam Arthur reflected on their shared work in government, particularly on Ghana’s National Blue Economy Strategy, which aimed to balance environmental protection with economic opportunity.
“You came with a quiet yet determined fire. I watched you in Cabinet—always prepared, always grounded in facts—yet never losing that rare quality of compassion in leadership,” she wrote.
“Environmental stewardship, you taught us, is not a luxury, but a duty we owe to generations to come.”
The Minister recalled their joint efforts in shaping the Blue Economy Strategy and exploring nature-based solutions for ocean erosion. She recounted how only days before his passing, they had been side by side at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice, presenting Ghana’s vision to the world.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ms. Arthur painted a picture of a warm, witty colleague who brought camaraderie and light-hearted moments to the often-demanding work of governance. She shared fond memories of his humour, including playful jabs at her and fellow MP Dzifa Gomashie.
“Your passing, alongside our brother Dr. Omane Boamah and the others, is a blow we will carry for a long time. But your legacy will live on—in the trees planted, the rivers restored, the young minds you inspired, and the values you embodied,” she said.
Ms. Arthur concluded her tribute with a prayer: “Rest well, Murtala. You served with honour. You led with vision. May Allah grant you Jannatul Firdaus.”
Below is the full tribute by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture
Murtala,
I have just returned home from your burial service. My brother, my colleague, my comrade—today we laid you to rest. Your sudden departure has left a deep void and quite a bit of unfinished business for the benefit of our nation.
When you took up the mantle of Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, you came with a quiet yet determined fire. I watched you in Cabinet—always prepared, always grounded in facts—yet never losing that rare quality of compassion in leadership. You led with both your head and your heart. You taught us that environmental stewardship is not a luxury, but a duty we owe to generations to come.
Our work together on Ghana’s National Blue Economy Strategy was a true meeting of minds. I will never forget that Monday morning when we received the draft national strategy from the committee. Our discussions began to shape ideas into a bold vision for our oceans, coasts, and river systems—driven by our shared belief that environmental protection and economic opportunity must walk hand in hand. Then on Wednesday ….. calamity struck….and you were gone!😭
Do you remember our conversation on designing Nature-Based Solutions for ocean erosion as another inter-sectoral collaboration? I worked on the draft concept note, and you promised your feedback. I am still waiting…
Just a few weeks ago, at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice, we stood side by side, sharing Ghana’s story with the world. You brought an energy that was infectious, and a clarity of thought that turned technical discussions into moments of inspiration. In those days, I saw not only the minister and the statesman, but also the friend who could tease and share a laugh after a long day—the patriot whose heart beat for Ghana’s future.
Going to Parliament will sting. My sister Dzifa Gomashie and I will miss you calling us “two old women refusing to grow and pretending to be young girls.” You will no longer be there to announce to the whole world how crazy I am, or to warn people not to mistake me for a nice, sweet girl because—according to you—I am “totally mad.”
Your passing, alongside our brother Dr. Omane Boamah and the others, is a blow we will carry for a long time. But I take comfort in knowing that your legacy will live on—in the trees planted, the rivers restored, the blue economy vision you helped shape, the young minds you inspired, and the values you embodied.
Rest well, Murtala. You served with honour. You led with vision. You leave us richer in spirit, and poorer only in the ache of missing you.
Farewell, my brother. May Allah grant you Jannatul Firdaus
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