Who will help us now? – Shock in Tamale as MP Dr Murtala dies in helicopter crash
A wave of shock and profound sorrow has swept through the Tamale Central Constituency following the tragic death of Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for the area.
The heartbreaking news has plunged party members, sympathisers, and the entire community into mourning, as many gathered at the party office with tear-filled eyes and broken hearts, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of a man they described as a "dedicated servant, a humble leader, and a champion of the people."
Dr Murtala was among eight people aboard a military helicopter that crashed in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday morning.
The Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter, which departed Accra at 0912 hours en route to Obuasi, lost radar contact shortly after take-off, according to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
Other victims of the crash include Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister of Food and Agriculture; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; and Mr Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate.
Also on board were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Amaning Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Mourning
The NDC Tamale Central Constituency Communication Officer, Umar Abdul Razak, speaking with visible grief, described Dr Murtala's death as a monumental loss to the entire nation.
"I believe that Murtala would be pardoned by Almighty Allah because he was a good practicing Muslim. He died on national duty,” he said.
He recounted that earlier in the day, the MP had tasked him to inform constituency elders about a planned sod-cutting ceremony for a new health facility, assuring him he would return later that evening to finalise arrangements.
He added that the MP had sent him money that morning to settle hospital bills for some party members — a final act of kindness that reflected Dr Murtala’s deep commitment to the welfare of his people.
A constituent, Mohammed Musah, lamented the tragic incident, noting that the MP was kind to all, regardless of political affiliation.
"Those who depended on him for school fees and medical bills are not few, and the question now is: who will support these people?" he asked.
Dedication
Dr Murtala, who was also the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, was widely known for his dedication to grassroots development, outspoken advocacy in Parliament, and personal generosity to his constituents.
His death has left a void in Tamale Central that many say cannot be filled.
Moments after the announcement of the incident, the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, led a delegation to inform the family of the tragic demise of the late MP.
Hundreds of mourners have since thronged the family house of the late MP to commiserate with them.
