Tamale, August 12, 2025 — Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has pledged to take over the sponsorship of 47 medical students previously supported by the late Tamale Central MP and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
The commitment was made on Tuesday during the Third Day Funeral Rites (Adua) of Dr. Murtala in Tamale, where the students delivered an emotional tribute in honour of their benefactor. Dr. Murtala, who died in a military helicopter crash on August 6, had established an education fund to support brilliant but financially disadvantaged students pursuing medical studies.
“I will ensure that no student’s education is cut short due to the untimely passing of such a great leader,” Mr. Iddrisu assured, adding that he would personally see each beneficiary through to graduation.
The students, in their tribute, described the late MP as a leader deeply committed to education and the welfare of the youth, and called on government, organisations, and individuals to continue supporting their academic journey.
The funeral ceremony drew a large gathering of political leaders, including Minister for the Interior and MP for Asawasi, Hon. Muntaka Mubarak; National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia; MP for Bole and Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Alhaji Yussif Sulemana; Majority Chief Whip, Hon. Rockson Nelson Dafeamakpo; and Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah. Former Finance Minister and MP for Karaga, Hon. Mohammed Amin Anta, also attended and shared heartfelt memories of his interactions with Dr. Murtala, describing his death as a profound personal loss.
Also in attendance were traditional leaders, Islamic clerics, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), former government appointees, constituency and regional party executives, as well as party supporters from both sides of the political divide, reflecting the wide respect Dr. Murtala commanded across Ghana’s political and social spectrum.
Dr. Murtala was among eight people who perished when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in a forested area at Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofrom District of the Ashanti Region. At the time of his death, he was en route to Obuasi for an official assignment.
A distinguished public servant and devoted Muslim, Dr. Murtala was known for his integrity, commitment to peace, and compassion. He was married with three children, held a PhD in Political Science from the University of Ghana, and a master’s degree in Development Planning and International Relations and Diplomacy. He was also an alumnus of Ghana Senior High School, Tamale. His political career included service as Deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations, and Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry under President John Mahama.
With Haruna Iddrisu’s pledge, many believe that Dr. Murtala’s legacy of empowering young people through education will endure despite his sudden passing.
