Mahama unveils memorial to Omane Boamah a year after fatal helicopter crash

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a cenotaph in honour of Ghana's late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, a year after he and seven others were killed in a military helicopter crash that shocked the country.

The memorial, located at the Ministry of Defence in Accra, includes a statue of Dr Omane Boamah and was unveiled during a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the 6 August 2025 disaster.

President Mahama lit a memorial candle on behalf of the nation in tribute to the eight victims. Vice-President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang lit a candle on behalf of the Armed Forces Council, while Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who is serving as acting defence minister, paid tribute on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Addressing mourners, President Mahama described Dr Omane Boamah as "one of a rare kind", praising his loyalty, dedication to public service and personal friendship.

He said the commemoration was especially emotional because the late minister had been one of his closest political allies and trusted advisers throughout his career.

Senior government officials, military commanders, relatives of the victims, clergy and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.

The unveiling followed a national interfaith memorial service held earlier in the day, where religious leaders offered prayers for the victims and called on Ghanaians to uphold the values of service and sacrifice they represented.

The eight victims died when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra on official duty.

Those killed were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister 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.

Thursday's commemorations formed part of nationwide events marking one year since one of Ghana's deadliest peacetime military aviation disasters, with tributes focusing on the public service and sacrifice of those who died.