The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, joined Ministers of State, the National Chief Imam, family members and other dignitaries on Friday for a special prayer session in memory of the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah paid glowing tribute to the late minister, describing him as a patriotic lawmaker and dedicated public servant whose leadership, humility and commitment to national development left a lasting legacy.

"He was a patriotic lawmaker and a devoted public servant whose life embodied excellence, humility, integrity and selfless service," he said.

According to the Minister, Dr. Murtala Muhammed demonstrated exceptional intellect, unwavering patriotism and an unrelenting commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians throughout his distinguished career.

He recalled that the late minister served as Deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Member of Parliament for Nanton, and later Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, before his appointment as Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology.

Mr.Armah-Kofi Buah noted that although Dr. Murtala Muhammed served as minister for only six months, he provided visionary leadership at a critical time when Ghana faced significant environmental and developmental challenges.

According to him, the late minister understood that environmental sustainability, scientific research and technological innovation were essential pillars for national transformation.

Recalling Dr. Murtala Muhammed's ministerial vetting, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah said he spoke passionately about the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution, protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

"Genesis 2:15 and Quran 2:30 both emphasise our duty to safeguard the environment. It is not just a policy matter but a collective responsibility," the late minister had said during his vetting.

Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah said that statement captured the essence of Dr. Murtala Muhammed's vision.

"In that single statement, he captured the very soul of his mission. He understood that environmental stewardship is not political—it is spiritual. It is not optional; it is essential. He lived that truth every day during his brief but impactful tenure," he said.

The lands minister credited Dr. Murtala Muhammed with laying a strong foundation for several key initiatives that continue to guide the Ministry's work.

Among the achievements he highlighted were:

The repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which previously permitted mining in Ghana's forest reserves;

Hosting the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) High-Level Meeting 2025, which culminated in the landmark Accra Declaration; The launch of the Bi-annual Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Forum as Ghana's premier platform for promoting research, innovation and strategic partnerships; Advancing the initial development of Ghana's Blue Economy Strategy to harness aquatic resources for sustainable and inclusive economic growth; and Launching the nationwide "One Child, One Tree" campaign to instil environmental responsibility among schoolchildren.

Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah said the Ministry remains committed to building on the solid foundation laid by the late minister.

"We dedicate the Ministry's achievements to his enduring legacy. What has been accomplished was made possible by the foundation he laid during his brief but impactful tenure," he stated.

He urged Ghanaians to honour Dr. Murtala Muhammed's memory by upholding the values he championed.

"As we bid him farewell, let us honour his memory not merely with words, but by committing ourselves to the ideals he cherished—honest leadership, environmental responsibility, scientific progress and steadfast service to our country," he said.

On behalf of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and all who continue to mourn the late minister.

He prayed that Allah, in His infinite mercy, would forgive Dr. Murtala Muhammed's shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.

"Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed served his nation with distinction. His legacy will endure, his memory will remain cherished, and his example will continue to inspire generations. May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Ameen," he concluded.