By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Ghana today bids an emotional farewell to the eight distinguished citizens who perished in the August 6 military helicopter crash at Sikaman-Brofroyedru in the Adansi Akrofrom District of the Ashanti Region.
A solemn state funeral is being held at the Black Star Square in Accra, drawing together President John Dramani Mahama, government officials, members of the security services, traditional leaders, and bereaved families. The interdenominational service will be followed by the burial of six of the victims at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo.
The fallen include Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. The other two Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed were laid to rest on August 10 in accordance with Islamic rites.
The tragedy, which struck while the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter was on official duty, has reignited calls for urgent investment in the country’s military aviation fleet. Security has been heightened around the capital for today’s ceremony, with sections of major roads closed to traffic to allow for the funeral procession.
Among the tributes was an emotional eulogy from Volta Regional Minister James Gunu, who described Dr. Omane Boamah as a rare public servant whose intellect and problem-solving skills blended medical precision with political strategy.
“He is one person who brought his experience and expertise as a medical doctor to bear on our electoral architecture, and he was able to demystify the rumours that the NDC could not collate its election results in 2020,” Mr. Gunu said.
He recounted that during the 2024 general elections, Dr. Boamah approached the process “like a medical officer taking the whole election system to a laboratory to diagnose, find solutions, and make recommendations particularly on ballot accounting that helped secure our victory.”
Mr. Gunu emphasised that Dr. Boamah’s role should not be forgotten, adding that the loss of all eight victims represented the loss of invaluable national assets.
A Man of Versatility and Charm
Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also paid tribute, remembering Dr. Boamah as “a man of remarkable versatility and disarming charm.”
He remarked that Dr. Boamah was the kind of person with whom it was “impossible to quarrel, even in moments of disagreement,” describing his ability to maintain cordiality and mutual respect as a rare and admirable quality in political life.
As the nation gathers in grief at Independence Square, the ceremony stands as both a moment of collective mourning and a reminder of the service and sacrifice of those who have fallen in the line of duty.
