As Ghana mourns the loss of two distinguished statesmen — Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Univers Entertainment dedicates this week’s Throwback Thursday to honouring the late Dr. Ibrahim, in a way that many may not recall: through rhythm, reflection, and reggae.
In a resurfaced interview from six years ago on Adom TV’s ‘After Hours with Kwame Oboadeɛ,’ the former Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology revealed a surprising and soulful side of himself, his deep love for reggae music and his fluency in Jamaican patois.
He lit up the screen with his vibrant delivery, switching effortlessly into patois and expressing his admiration for the genre that shaped his early love for music. The moment was refreshing and heartfelt, revealing a more relaxed and relatable Murtala — far from the stern image of politics.
Dr. Murtala didn’t just admire reggae’s rhythm; he also expressed admiration for one of Ghana’s own reggae/dancehall stars. When asked to choose between Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, he replied:
“I love Shatta. I think that he has inspired a lot of young people. But I’m not a hypocrite. I won’t sit and pretend. I love Stonebwoy. I think he’s too talented. His talent goes beyond the shores of Ghana — the continent, absolutely.
That is not to say you can take the shine away from Shatta. I think they are two different brands of musicians. Even though they both do dancehall, I think Shatta is different. Persona counts.”
The conversation later touched on the infamous VGMA incident where Stonebwoy pulled a gun on stage after Shatta Wale approached him. Dr. Murtala didn’t mince words.
“For me, this was needless, childish, from both of them. I felt so embarrassed, honestly. Look, I can’t tell the intentions of Shatta for going there, but I want to believe that he genuinely went to congratulate him.
Thank God someone has managed to bring them together. It helps the country. But there’s also blind following among young people — absolutely.”
His commentary reflected a rare blend of candour, cultural insight, and care for youth development. In that moment, Dr. Murtala wasn’t just a former minister; he was a fan, a mentor, and a man in tune with the pulse of society.
As we celebrate his life and service, this throwback captures the joy, humility, and humanity that defined him. Dr. Ibrahim wasn’t just a politician, he was a man of the people, and his voice will continue to echo in both Parliament and pop culture.
May his soul rest in peace.
Watch the interview below:
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Story by Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah | univers.ug.edu.gh
