‘I shared him with the President of Ghana’ – Wife’s farewell to Murtala Muhammed

By: Belinda Nketia

Hajia Hadiatu Muhammed, wife of the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Murtala Muhammed, used her tribute at the State Funeral to paint a heartfelt portrait of a man whose devotion to family was matched only by his dedication to national service.

In her tribute, Hadiatu recounted the moment she came to the poignant realization that she was sharing her husband not only with their family, but also with the president and the demands of national service.

“I remember once, an incident on the road… I called him, expecting him to come rushing to my rescue. He listened patiently and then said, ‘Ah… my dear, the president has called me.’ In that moment, I realised I was sharing my husband with the President of Ghana as well”, she said

For nearly a decade, the couple journeyed together and raised their children while balancing the demands of national duty. Hadiatu described her late husband as God-fearing, humble, dependable, devoted and a man who could be called upon at any hour.

She fondly remembered his playful moments with their daughters, who would “comb” his bald head, and his habit of playing horse with the children. “These were the moments I smiled,” she said, “because then he was not wearing the hat of a Minister of State, but that of a dad.”

She also spoke about her husband’s integrity, and tireless work ethic. She said Dr. Murtala Muhammed was remembered not for the titles he held, but for the lives he touched.

His wife prayed for him to be granted Jannatul Firdaus, and assured that his love and legacy would remain alive in their hearts forever.

Dr. Murtala Muhammed died on August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region in a fatal helicopter crash while on national duty, that claimed his life and that of 7 others.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

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