“Our Forests Are Breathing Again” — Armah Buah Praises Murtala Muhammed’s Environmental Legacy
Acting Environment Minister says the late Murtala Muhammed's environmental reforms continue to shape Ghana's conservation agenda one year after his death.
- Armah Buah credits the late Murtala Muhammed for leading the repeal of LI 2462.
- Late minister remembered for championing major environmental and research initiatives.
- Haruna Iddrisu urges Ghanaians to honour the victims by fighting illegal mining and protecting the environment
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has paid glowing tribute to the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, describing the repeal of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462 as one of his most significant achievements while serving as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology.
Speaking at a memorial ceremony held at the ministry to mark one year since Dr. Muhammed’s passing, Mr. Armah Buah said the late minister’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation continues to influence Ghana’s environmental agenda.
According to him, Dr. Muhammed played a leading role in repealing LI 2462, the law that permitted mining activities in forest reserves under specific conditions, describing the move as a major milestone in safeguarding Ghana’s forests.
“He was the one who spearheaded the repeal of LI 2462. Today, our forests are breathing again because of Honourable Murtala,” Mr. Armah Buah said.
The memorial brought together family members, government officials, colleagues and friends to honour Dr. Muhammed and the seven other victims who lost their lives in the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025.
Beyond the repeal of LI 2462, Mr. Armah Buah highlighted several landmark initiatives championed by the late minister, including hosting the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence (ARISE) High-Level Meeting in 2025, which culminated in the adoption of the Accra Declaration.
He also praised Dr. Muhammed for establishing the Biannual Environment, Science and Technology Forum, a platform designed to connect researchers, innovators and industry leaders in developing practical solutions to Ghana’s development challenges.
According to Mr. Armah Buah, Dr. Muhammed believed research should directly benefit society rather than remain confined to academic institutions.
“He wanted research to be practical and closely linked to the everyday lives of Ghanaians so that innovation could drive national development,” he noted.
The Acting Environment Minister further credited the late minister with laying the groundwork for Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy and launching the One Child, One Tree Campaign, an initiative aimed at instilling environmental responsibility in children through tree planting.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu also paid tribute to Dr. Muhammed, saying the nation continues to feel the pain of losing him and the seven others who perished in the tragic helicopter crash.
“A year on, our hearts are still in ruins,” Mr. Iddrisu said.
He described Dr. Muhammed as a leader who viewed environmental protection not merely as a government obligation but as a moral duty to future generations.
Mr. Iddrisu urged Ghanaians to honour the memories of Dr. Muhammed, Dr. Omane Boamah and the other victims by intensifying efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the country’s forests, water bodies and farmlands.
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was among the eight people who died when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025, while travelling to the launch of the government’s Cooperative Mining Initiative.
