At the state funeral on Friday, August 15, as Ghana mourned eight patriots, including the late Environment Minister, who died in the line of duty, Hadiatu, wife of Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, delivered a moving tribute that captured her husband’s life and service.

“In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. God is Great, God is Great, God is Great. Praise be to Allah, the cherisher and the sustainer of the worlds. ‘To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return,’” she began.

She described Dr Mohammed as a man whose presence was a gift to all who knew him.

“For almost a decade, I had the privilege of walking through life by his side. Together, we raised our beautiful children, and in every step of that journey, he showed me and everyone around him what it means to be kind, patient, and full of love.”

Her words painted a picture of a man rooted in faith and humility.

“Mohamed was more than a husband and father; he was a man of deep faith. God-fearing and humble, he lived his life with integrity, always choosing the right path, even when it was not the easy one.

"He was trustworthy and dependable, the kind of person you could call at any hour, knowing he would answer.”

Then, she recalled a moment that summed up his dedication to national duty.

“I remember once, an incident on the road. Of course, he was the first person I called. He picked up right away, and I told him my situation, expecting him to come rushing to my rescue.

"He listened patiently, sympathised, and then said, ‘Ah… my dear, the president has called me.’ In that moment, I realised I wasn’t just sharing my husband with friends, family, or the community. I was sharing him with the President of Ghana as well!!”

Hadiatu spoke of the balance he struck between his public service and his role as a father.

“His daughters would comb his hair or perhaps I should say his head… because he had no hair to comb. He loved to play horse with the children; these were the moments I smiled because then he was not wearing the hat of a Minister of State but that of a dad.”

His humour, generosity, and commitment to others were at the heart of her farewell.

“He had a wonderful sense of humour that could light up a room, and a heart that was always ready to help. More often than not, he put others before himself.

"Hard-working and determined, he gave his best in everything he did, not for recognition, but because it was in his nature to serve and to care.”

She closed her tribute with words of love and prayer.

“Mohammed’s life was a blessing to us, and his memory will forever be a treasure. He has left us far too soon, but his love, his laughter, and his example will live on in our children, in our hearts, and in the countless lives he touched.

"Rest well, my husband. May Allah grant you Jannatul Firdaus and surround you with eternal peace. We love you, we miss you, and we will carry your light with us always. Inshah Allah. Daddy, we love and miss you so much. Forever in our hearts.”