By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Aug. 06, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a cenotaph in memory of the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah at the premises of the Ministry of Defence in Accra.
The Cenotaph was erected by the Defence Ministry in honour of Dr Omane Boamah, who lost his life together with seven others in a military helicopter tragedy while on a national assignment at Adansi Akrofuom in the Asante Region on August 6, 2025.
It was to immortalize the late Defence Minister for his contributions towards strengthening the Ghana Armed Forces and advancing Ghana’s democratic governance.
In dignitaries who graced the occasion included Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Acting Minister of Defence and Minister of Finance; Burkina Faso Minister of Warfare and Patriotic Defence, General Célestin Simporé, service chiefs, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, religious and traditional leaders, and members of the diplomatic community in Ghana.
President Mahama in his remarks said: “Today, we gather not only to unveil a cenotaph, but to reaffirm our nation’s gratitude to a devoted patriot whose life was dedicated to the service of Ghana”.
“This ceremony honours the memory of the late Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, who served our country with distinction as Minister of Defence.”
He said Dr Omane Boamah served with diligence, humility, and unwavering commitment to the security and stability of their Republic and his contribution to strengthening the Ghana Armed Forces and advancing Ghana’s democratic governance would remain part of their national story.
“For me, the immortalization of Omane’s memory is deeply personal. He was a friend, a younger brother, a loyalist, and a close advisor. His loyalty and love for me were undoubted. He stood by my side through all momentous occasions of my political career. Omane was a great human being. His kind is difficult to find in our world today.” The President said.
He expressed gratitude to the Ghana Armed Forces for the honour being done to the late Defence Minister, the only Defence Minister on records to have died in active service.
President Mahama thanked his Burkina Faso counterpart President Ibrahim Traoré, for sending a special envoy in the person of his Minister for Warfare and Patriotic Defence, General Célestin Simporé, to represent him at the moment of their grief.
President Mahama on behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, once again extend their deepest sympathy to the late Dr Omane Boamah’s family, friends, and his colleagues with whom he served.
“May they find comfort in the knowledge that his service to Ghana shall never be forgotten. May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace.” The President said.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei