Mohammed-Muniru Limuna: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Devotion
Mohammed-Muniru Limuna was a distinguished Ghanaian public servant, statesman, and administrator whose life was defined by humility, philanthropy, devotion to Allah, and an unwavering commitment to national service and human development.
Born on August 8, 1967, in Wa in the Upper East Region to Alhaji Langa Limuna and Hajia Hawa Soale, he was the second of six children. From modest beginnings, his journey embodied perseverance, leadership, and excellence in public administration, political governance, and community service.
Early Life and Education
Limuna began his education at United Primary School in Tamale (1972–1977) before advancing to Vitting Experimental Junior Secondary School, where he obtained his JSS certificate (1977–1980). He pursued his GCE Ordinary Level at Damongo Secondary School (1980–1984) and later GCE Advanced Level at Tamale Secondary School (1986–1988).
He enrolled at the University of Ghana, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities (1990–1993), and later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2005. His pursuit of higher learning took him abroad, where he studied at the University of London’s London School of Economics, graduating with an MSc in Health Policy, Planning and Financing (2006–2007), complemented by a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Policy, Planning and Financing from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (2007–2008).
Public Service and Leadership
With over 28 years of public service—13 of them at the highest levels—Limuna’s contributions were transformative.
As Minister for Food and Agriculture (2016–2017), he initiated strategic reforms to strengthen food security and agricultural modernisation. He laid the foundation for the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL) in partnership with the Bank of Ghana, and introduced the concept of Farm Service Centres to provide mechanisation, credit, extension services, and market access to farmers.
His earlier ministerial roles as Northern Regional Minister (2014–2016) and Upper East Regional Minister (2013–2014) were equally impactful. He chaired the respective Regional Security Councils, leading peace-building initiatives that resolved longstanding ethnic and chieftaincy conflicts in Nankpanduri, Bawku, and the Builsa area. His efforts contributed to the historic 2014 Damba Festival between the Andani and Abudu royal gates in Yendi, a milestone in the Dagbon peace process.
As Minister of State in charge of Scholarships and Human Resource Development (2013–2014), Limuna spearheaded reforms in scholarship administration and was instrumental in developing Ghana’s national human resource policy.
In the health sector, he played pivotal roles as Administrator and Health Policy Adviser at the Ministry of Health, Project Coordinator for the National Health Insurance Project at the NHIA, and NHIS Focal Officer at the Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Directorate. He was instrumental in the nationwide computerisation of the NHIS and establishment of District Mutual Health Insurance Schemes, which broadened access and efficiency.
International Engagements
Limuna represented Ghana at several global policy platforms, including the Pre-UN General Assembly Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (London, 2016) and the China-Africa Local Government Cooperation Forum (Beijing, 2015). He also participated in programs by the World Bank, UNIDO, Harvard School of Public Health, and GIMPA, enhancing his expertise in governance, health financing, and project management.
Philanthropy and Faith
A devout Muslim, Alhaji Limuna sponsored the construction of numerous mosques and supported hundreds of Muslims to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. Through his Tamawuta Foundation, he funded education, paid medical bills, provided potable water to underserved communities, and organised free health screenings.
Personal Life and Legacy
In his final weeks, he served as Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, a role he embraced with characteristic diligence until his untimely passing on August 6, 2025.
He is remembered as principled yet light-hearted, admired for his time consciousness, proactive problem-solving, and deep commitment to youth development. Known in his youthful days as “Kisco Darling” for his energetic dancing, he remained approachable and warm, even as he rose to prominence.
Limuna was married to Hajia Zahara Ligbi and was a devoted father to four children. To those who knew him personally, he was humble, kind, and deeply responsible.
Enduring Influence
Mohammed-Muniru Limuna’s life reflected the qualities of a true servant leader—visionary, inclusive, and compassionate. His legacy lies in his contributions to peace-building, agricultural transformation, healthcare reform, and human capital development.
Ghana remembers him as a statesman who served with vision, led with wisdom, and governed with heart. His work continues to inspire generations of public servants and leaders.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
