The Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Prof. Alidu Seidu Mahama, has joined constituents and community members to mark the first anniversary of the death of his predecessor, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.

The commemoration, held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, included the presentation of food items to widows, orphans and other vulnerable residents in the constituency, followed by Islamic prayers for the late legislator.

Prof. Alidu Seidu said the event was organised to honour Dr Murtala Mohammed’s contributions to the constituency and keep alive the values he championed during his time as MP.

He announced plans to make the commemoration an annual event, as well as establish a scholarship scheme and an annual memorial lecture in honour of the late legislator.

“It’s befitting that we mourn him, we honour him, and we appreciate what he has done for us. We decided to pray for him by reciting the Holy Qur’an and also donate to the widows, orphans, and the downtrodden in our constituency to also join us in praying for him for Allah to give him eternal rest,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Alidu Seidu said the planned initiatives would help preserve Dr Murtala Mohammed’s legacy and continue his commitment to the welfare of constituents.

“We are going to institutionalise the commemoration every year. We will institute a scholarship package in his name, as well as an annual memorial lecture in his name. What we are doing today is to demonstrate the commitment he so held dear when he was alive,” he said.

The commemoration followed a national inter-faith memorial service held to mark the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people, including Dr Murtala Mohammed.

The victims were then Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra to the region on official duty.