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Ghanaian Politician Reveals How Dr. Murtala Mohammed Rejected Gaddafi's Offer

The Incorruptible Legacy: How Dr. Murtala Mohammed Rejected Gaddafi's Tempting Offer, as Recounted by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

In a poignant tribute to integrity and principled leadership, Ghanaian Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has shed light on a remarkable episode from the nation's political history, highlighting the unyielding incorruptibility of the late Dr. Murtala Mohammed. This story, shared by Ablakwa on social media and subsequently amplified through various news outlets, serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical standards that once defined some of Ghana's public servants. It revolves around an encounter between Dr. Murtala and the former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, where a "juicy offer" was extended—one that could have enriched Dr. Murtala personally but at the potential cost of his principles and Ghana's sovereignty. By turning it down, Dr. Murtala exemplified a rare breed of leadership in an era often marred by corruption scandals across Africa.

To fully appreciate this narrative, it's essential to contextualize Dr. Murtala Mohammed's role in Ghanaian politics. Dr. Murtala was a prominent figure during the turbulent years of Ghana's post-independence era, particularly under the administration of Dr. Hilla Limann's People's National Party (PNP) government from 1979 to 1981. He served in key positions, including as a minister, where his responsibilities often involved diplomatic engagements and regional affairs. His background as an academic and politician from northern Ghana positioned him as a bridge between the country's diverse ethnic groups and its international relations. Ablakwa, who is the Ranking Member on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee and a vocal advocate for good governance, drew from historical accounts and personal reflections to narrate this incident, emphasizing how such stories inspire contemporary leaders to prioritize national interest over personal gain.

The crux of the story, as detailed by Ablakwa, unfolded during a diplomatic mission or interaction with Libya in the late 1970s or early 1980s—a period when Gaddafi was aggressively expanding his influence across Africa through financial incentives, ideological alliances, and sometimes covert operations. Gaddafi, known for his pan-Africanist rhetoric and oil-fueled largesse, often courted African leaders and officials with promises of wealth, infrastructure projects, or political support. In this instance, he reportedly approached Dr. Murtala with what Ablakwa described as a "juicy offer." While specifics of the offer remain somewhat veiled in the retelling—likely to preserve the sanctity of diplomatic history—it is implied to have involved substantial financial inducements, possibly in the form of personal funds, business opportunities, or aid packages that could benefit Dr. Murtala directly. Such offers were not uncommon during Gaddafi's reign; he famously distributed millions to allies in sub-Saharan Africa to foster loyalty and advance his vision of a united Africa under Libyan influence.

What makes Dr. Murtala's response so compelling is his outright rejection of the proposal. According to Ablakwa, Dr. Murtala did not hesitate; he politely but firmly declined, citing his commitment to Ghana's independence and his personal code of ethics. This act of refusal was not merely a momentary decision but a reflection of his character—described by Ablakwa as "incorruptible." In an era when many African politicians succumbed to the allure of foreign bribes, leading to economic dependencies and political instability, Dr. Murtala's stance stood out as a beacon of integrity. Ablakwa recounted how Dr. Murtala later shared this experience with close confidants, using it as a teachable moment about the dangers of compromising one's values for short-term gains. This narrative aligns with broader historical accounts of Ghana's foreign policy under Limann, which sought to maintain non-alignment amid Cold War pressures and regional power plays.

Ablakwa's decision to highlight this story is timely, coming at a moment when Ghana grapples with its own corruption challenges. Recent scandals involving public officials, from procurement irregularities to unexplained wealth, have eroded public trust in governance. By invoking Dr. Murtala's example, Ablakwa aims to inspire a new generation of leaders to emulate such fortitude. He elaborated on how Dr. Murtala's rejection preserved Ghana's dignity, preventing potential entanglements that could have compromised national security or economic autonomy. For instance, accepting Gaddafi's offer might have drawn Ghana deeper into Libya's orbit, possibly influencing domestic policies or exposing the country to the volatility of Gaddafi's regime, which later faced international isolation and downfall in 2011.

Expanding on the implications, this incident underscores the broader dynamics of African diplomacy during the late 20th century. Gaddafi's Libya positioned itself as a champion of anti-imperialism, funding liberation movements like the African National Congress in South Africa and supporting figures such as Idi Amin in Uganda. However, these overtures often came with strings attached, leading to accusations of neo-colonialism from within Africa. Dr. Murtala's refusal can be seen as a subtle act of resistance against such influences, aligning with Ghana's foundational principles established by Kwame Nkrumah, who advocated for African unity on equal terms rather than through coercive aid.

Moreover, Ablakwa's recounting adds a personal layer, drawing from his own experiences in politics. As a former Deputy Minister of Education and a key figure in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ablakwa has often championed transparency and anti-corruption measures. He used this story to call for institutional reforms, such as stronger asset declaration laws and ethical training for public officials, to prevent similar temptations in the future. In his words, Dr. Murtala's legacy is a "timeless lesson" that incorruptibility is not just about saying no to bribes but about building a culture of accountability that benefits the nation.

The story also resonates with Ghana's northern regions, where Dr. Murtala hailed from, highlighting regional contributions to national integrity. It serves as a counter-narrative to stereotypes of political opportunism, showing how leaders from underrepresented areas have upheld high standards. In reflecting on this, Ablakwa encouraged Ghanaians to celebrate such unsung heroes, whose quiet acts of principle have shaped the country's moral fabric.

In conclusion, Dr. Murtala Mohammed's rejection of Gaddafi's juicy offer, as vividly brought to life by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stands as an enduring testament to incorruptible leadership. It challenges current and future generations to prioritize ethical governance over personal enrichment, ensuring that Ghana's progress is built on a foundation of integrity. This episode, though from decades past, remains profoundly relevant, offering hope amid contemporary challenges and reinforcing the idea that true leadership is defined not by what one accepts, but by what one has the courage to refuse. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Ghanaweb.com Article at:
[ https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/He-was-incorruptible-Ablakwa-on-how-Dr-Murtala-turned-down-Gaddafi-s-juicy-offer-1995823 ]