Ghana’s Entertainment Industry Mourns Late Murtala, 7 others in Helicopter Crash

Ghana’s creative arts community is in mourning following the deaths of Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and former Ashanti Regional Minister Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, who were among eight people killed in a tragic helicopter crash.

The incident has deeply touched many in the entertainment industry, with artistes such as Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Gyakie, Amaarae, Minister of Tourism Abla Dzifa Gomashie and Kofi Kinaata joining the nation in grief.

Award-winning dancehall star Stonebwoy expressed deep sorrow over the helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including two government ministers and several military officers. Speaking to TV3 on August 7, 2025, he described the tragedy as “a sad moment for Ghana.”

Among the victims were Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, and former Ashanti Regional Minister Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, both of whom Stonebwoy regarded as father figures.

“Just like everybody else, it is difficult to actually comprehend. We are all just shocked… it’s crazy,” he said. “There are persons that I am closed with personally like Honourable himself, big BHIM nation, big support, he encourages me, he’s like a father figure and another father figure also is the former Ashanti Regional Minister as well… It’s really a sad moment for Ghana.”

Stonebwoy shared that the incident added to his grief, as August marks the tenth anniversary of his mother’s passing. “This is the tenth year of the month my mother passed away… And then all these were added on. It’s not easy.”

Recalling his bond with Dr Murtala Mohammed, Stonebwoy noted that the late minister had publicly praised him in an interview, showing his appreciation for reggae and dancehall despite his political role. He urged the government to take stronger measures to prevent such tragedies.

“This isn’t just a family loss; Ghana has been hit. The state must employ measures to avoid such disasters,” he said.

Also, afrobeats singer Amaarae, writing on X, sent condolences to the families of the victims and the nation. Singer Gyakie described it as “a sad day for our country,” while rapper Sarkodie wrote, “God rest their souls and strength to the families. #Tragic. Very heavy!” Tributes also came from Kofi Kinaata, Ohemaa Mercy, comedian DKB, and broadcaster KOD.

Sarkodie later revealed that the tragedy led him to discover a speech by Dr Mohammed condemning corruption.

“I find it difficult to connect with any politician because of the general perception… It’s sad that it took such a tragic incident for me to come across this footage,” he said. In the video, Dr Mohammed warns: “If you take any money which belongs to the state, you will answer to the people on the Day of Judgement.”

Minister of Tourism Abla Dzifa Gomashie shared her last meeting with Dr Mohammed, just a day before his death. She recalled how he often teased her in Parliament about “being an old lady who has refused to grow old,” always ending with a smile and a playful “Come on.”