Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in a tragic military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Mr. Ayariga, speaking to TV3 during a condolence visit to the family home of the late minister, described him as a mentor, a brother figure, and a man of truth who played a pivotal role in shaping the political paths of many young people within the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“For the first time I appeared on television to represent the NDC, the person who made that possible was Murtala Mohammed. At the time, he was the Deputy Minister for Information, and he deliberately pushed many of us into party communications and politics,” Mr. Ayariga recalled.
He noted that the news of Dr. Murtala Mohammed’s death was not only a personal shock but a devastating blow to the youth wing of the party and the country at large.
“He groomed and nurtured many young minds in the party. The circumstances of his death are painful. We are here to sympathize with the family. It’s hard, and the entire country is mourning.”
Mr. Ayariga praised the late minister’s character, describing him as a man of conviction who always stood for the truth. “He appeared to me as a big brother and mentor. He never hid his feelings. He stood for the truth always, and that’s what I will remember most about him. He was guided by his faith, detested corruption, and lived out his values.”
He further emphasized the importance of upholding the principles the late minister stood for, particularly at a time when the country is facing various challenges.
“We will remember the few things he taught us and live by them,” he said solemnly.
Background
The nation is still reeling from the tragic Z-9 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians, including two cabinet ministers, on Wednesday morning.
The Ghana Armed Forces reported that the helicopter took off from Accra at 9:12 am and crashed in a wooded area near Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region en route to Obuasi.
Among the deceased were:
1. Dr. Edward Omane-Boamah – Minister for Defence
2. Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology
3. Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
4. Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman, NDC
5. Mr. Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
6. Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala
7. Flying Officer Twum Ampadu
8. Sergeant Ernest Addo
