President Mahama unveils cenotaph for Omane Boamah, one year after helicopter crash

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a cenotaph in honour of the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, marking one year since he and seven others lost their lives in a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash while on official duty.

The memorial, located within the Ministry of Defence in Accra, features a statue of the late minister and serves as a permanent tribute to his dedication, patriotism and service to Ghana. The unveiling ceremony, held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, formed part of activities commemorating the first anniversary of one of the country's most devastating aviation tragedies involving senior government officials.

Addressing dignitaries, military personnel, family members and friends at the ceremony, President Mahama described Dr Omane Boamah as an exceptional public servant whose loyalty and unwavering commitment to national service left an enduring mark on Ghana.

The President said his tribute was deeply personal because of the close friendship they shared over the years.

His immortalising is personal for me. Omane was a great human being. His kind is difficult to find in our world today. His love for me is undoubted; he was a friend, a loyalist and a close adviser. He stood by my side all through my political career. His service to the nation will never be forgotten."

President Mahama also conveyed the nation's condolences to the bereaved family, friends and colleagues of the late Defence Minister, assuring them that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of public servants.

As part of the solemn ceremony, President Mahama lit a memorial candle on behalf of the people of Ghana in honour of all eight victims of the crash.

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 currently serving as caretaker Defence Minister, lit another on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

The symbolic gesture underscored the nation's collective gratitude for the sacrifices made by the victims in the service of Ghana.

The unveiling ceremony attracted senior government officials, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, clergy, traditional leaders, diplomats, colleagues, family members and friends, all of whom gathered to celebrate the life and contributions of Dr Omane Boamah.

The event followed the National Inter-Faith Memorial Service held earlier in the day, where religious leaders offered prayers for the departed and encouraged Ghanaians to uphold the values of sacrifice, integrity and patriotism demonstrated by the victims.

The tragic crash occurred on August 6, 2025, when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while transporting government officials on an official assignment.

The accident claimed the lives of:

• 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
• Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu

Their deaths sent shockwaves across Ghana and prompted nationwide mourning, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, security agencies and citizens.

The newly unveiled cenotaph is expected to serve as a lasting reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of Dr Omane Boamah and the seven others who died in the line of duty.

Government officials say the memorial symbolises Ghana's enduring appreciation for public servants who dedicate their lives to national development and will stand as a place of remembrance for future generations.