Residents of Tamale Central Constituency have been thrown into a state of mourning following the tragic death of their Member of Parliament, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, in a military helicopter crash on Wednesday morning in the Ashanti Region.
In various parts of the constituency, including Dagbandabi Fong, Aboabo, and Changli, community members gathered in sombre groups, weeping and consoling one another as they received the devastating news.
Some of the residents who spoke to the Ghana News Agency described the late MP as a courageous, compassionate, and development-driven leader whose passion for uplifting the people of Tamale Central was unmatched.
“He was our hope, our voice. He never backed down from speaking truth to power and always prioritised the needs of his people,” said Mariam Fuseina, a resident of Changli.
Others described him as a devoted Muslim and an advocate for the poor, particularly known for championing environmental justice, youth empowerment, and equitable development in northern Ghana.
Mr Alhassan Abu, a resident of Dagbandabi Fong said “It is very unfortunate, our MP was even scheduled for a sod – cutting ceremony for a health facility in our community on Saturday, but Allah knows best”.
The grief-stricken atmosphere intensified as the full list of casualties was made public during a press briefing by Mr Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff in Accra.
The briefing revealed that the crash claimed the lives of Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister for Defense; Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment and MP for Tamale Central; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Mr Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi; Flying Officer Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
