Mahama unveils cenotaph in honour of late Omane Boamah
President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a cenotaph in honour of the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, to mark one year since he and seven others died in a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash.
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The cenotaph, located within the precincts of the Ministry of Defence in Accra, features a statue of the late minister and serves as a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice. The unveiling ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Defence on Thursday, August 6, exactly one year after the tragedy.
Following the unveiling, President Mahama lit a memorial candle on behalf of the nation in honour of Dr Omane Boamah and the seven other victims.
Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang also lit a candle on behalf of the Armed Forces Council, while Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who is serving as caretaker Defence Minister, lit a candle on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama paid glowing tribute to Dr Omane Boamah, describing him as “one of a rare kind” whose loyalty, friendship and dedication to national service would never be forgotten.
The President said the tribute was deeply personal because of the close relationship he shared with the late minister, whom he described as a loyal friend and trusted adviser throughout his political career.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, family members, friends, clergy, colleagues and other dignitaries who gathered to honour Dr Omane Boamah’s life and legacy.
The unveiling of the cenotaph followed a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service held earlier in the day to commemorate the eight victims of the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash.
The memorial service brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, bereaved families and other dignitaries. Religious leaders offered prayers and messages of comfort while urging Ghanaians to preserve the values and legacy of the deceased.
The victims died when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region on official duty.
Those who lost their lives were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; NDC National Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; and Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu.
The commemorative activities formed part of national efforts to honour the service, sacrifice and enduring legacy of the eight individuals who lost their lives in the line of duty.
