Mrs. Rita Omane Boamah, the grieving wife of late Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, delivered a moving tribute to her husband during the final state funeral for the eight Ghanaians who perished in the tragic August 6 military helicopter crash.
The service, held at Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, was a powerful moment of national mourning.
In a tribute read on her behalf, Mrs. Omane Boamah recalled a poignant question her husband would often ask: “Abena Rita, what will you do when I am not around?” She confessed that she never had an answer and, even now, still does not.
She reminisced about their first meeting on a medical school bus and painted a picture of a life filled with love, laughter, and late-night walks. She described Dr. Omane Boamah as a “loving and perfect father” who masterfully balanced his demanding careers as a doctor and politician with his family life.
“Despite your busy schedule, you either bathed the children every morning or dressed them while I bathed them,” she said. “You were their favorite teacher, knowing their syllabus back to back and making time for both study and play.”
Mrs. Omane Boamah concluded her tribute with a promise to her late husband: “I will, with God’s help, take care of mummy and our three kids, knowing you will be looking down on us from the heavens. Kofi B, thank you for loving me, thank you for loving the children, thank you for loving my family and all who came to know you. Rest in power, my love.”
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah was among the eight victims of the crash, which also claimed the lives of Minister for Environment Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, and crew members Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
