Omane Boamah, Murtala Mohammed immortalised with cenotaph, qur’anic prayers

Ghana has unveiled a cenotaph and held commemorative prayers to honor the late Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, marking the first anniversary of a tragic helicopter crash that claimed eight lives. The monument, inaugurated on Thursday at the Ministry of Defence in Accra, serves as a tribute to Dr. Boamah's significant contributions to Ghana's security and national development during his tenure as Defence Minister and previously as Minister of Communications.

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the unveiling was not only about a monument but also an opportunity for the nation to express gratitude to a patriot whose life was dedicated to Ghana’s service.

President John Dramani Mahama, who attended the ceremony with Dr. Boamah's family, stated that the unveiling was an expression of national gratitude to a patriot. He described the cenotaph as a lasting reminder of the enduring values of service, integrity, patriotism, and sacrifice. President Mahama shared personal reflections, calling Dr. Boamah a friend, younger brother, loyalist, and close adviser who provided unwavering support throughout his political career. He lauded Boamah's dedication, humility, and commitment to strengthening Ghana's security architecture and democratic governance.

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a cenotaph was a lasting reminder that although life might end, the values of service, integrity, patriotism and sacrifice must continue to inspire future generations.

The inscription on the cenotaph highlights Dr. Boamah's commitment to modernizing the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) through a retooling strategy focused on equipment, operational readiness, and personnel welfare. The President commended the GAF for honoring their former minister and extended condolences to the families of all eight victims. The ceremony also remembered the other civilian victims: Dr. Alhaji Murtala Ibrahim Mohammed (Minister of Environment), Alhaji Limuna Muniru (Deputy National Security Coordinator), Dr. Samuel Sarpong (Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress), and Samuel Aboagye (former parliamentary candidate). Military personnel lost included Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

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For me, this immortalisation of Omane’s memory is deeply personal.

In a related event, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership in Tamale Central Constituency and the area's Member of Parliament held prayers to mark the anniversary of the death of former MP Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, another victim of the crash. Islamic clerics gathered for the prayers at a mosque near the constituency office.

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Omane was a great human being. His kind is difficult to find in our world today.