The former Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, was a devout environmentalist, and the government will immortalise him by taking firm steps to curb crimes against the environment, the acting Minister of MEST, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has stated.
Mr Buah said although the late minister had a short stint at MEST, he had left indelible footprints that bore ample testimony to his quest to protect the environment from destruction.
For instance, he said the late Dr Mohammed's critical role in the repeal of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022 (L.I 2462) was a testimony to his unflinching resolve to fight illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves.
Again, he said the late minister promoted research and innovation commercialisation; facilitated the development of a blue economy strategy; and ensured the roll-out of the One Child, One Tree initiative.
The Ellembelle Member of Parliament (MP), who doubles as the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, stated this at a memorial prayer session held at the forecourt of MEST last Friday to celebrate Dr Mohammed, who died in a helicopter crash in the line of duty on August 6, 2025, just six months after assuming office.
Dr Mohammed was among the eight people on board a military helicopter travelling from Accra to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region to launch the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), an initiative aimed at tackling and combating illegal mining.
Adua prayers
To mark the first anniversary of the sad event, the National Chief Imam, Eminence Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, observed special prayers (Adua) in remembrance of the former minister.
The special prayers were held in collaboration with MEST, together with key government officials and Islamic clergymen.
The solemn event, which started at about 8 a.m. with special prayers by Imams in supplication of the fallen hero, also brought together the top hierarchy of agencies under MEST.
Among key personalities at the event were the ministers of Education, Haruna Iddrisu; Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; Climate Change, Baba Seidu Issifu; Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe; Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emilia Arthur; and Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie; and Works, Housing, and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei.
Indelible footprints
In his reflections at the Adua Prayers, the acting MEST minister described Dr Mohammed as a devoted leader who loved the environment with his heart.
Mr Buah said although Dr Mohammed left the stage at a very early period, he had left behind indelible footprints in terms of the policies he initiated to save the environment.
For instance, he said, barely six months in office, the late minister focused on restructuring institutional oversight, promoting STEM education, and combating illegal mining.
"Dr Mohammed had a rather short but impactful duty at the environment ministry; he served the nation with distinction; and his legacy will live on for generations," he said.
He added that the government recognised the values the late minister stood for while in office and would take steps to accomplish unfinished initiatives he had started, particularly in the protection of the environment.
Chief Imam's eulogy
For his part, the Chief Imam described Dr Mohammed as a committed leader who demonstrated selflessness in service to the country and humanity.
In his prayers of supplication, he asked that God (Allah) accept the late minister in his bosom for the good life he led.
The Chief Imam also said special prayers for the immediate family of the late minister.
"May the children the late minister left behind grow up in knowledge, strength, fortitude and virtue to continue the good works of their father for the benefit of this country," he asked of Allah.
