The family of the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, has expressed gratitude to God for providing strength, comfort and hope in the year following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed his life and seven others.
Delivering the family’s memorial reflections at a national inter-faith memorial service on Thursday, August 6, a family representative Charles Ohene Oti said the past year had been marked by deep grief and loss.
He, however, noted that the families have been sustained by God’s grace and remain thankful for the lives and contributions of their loved ones.
“While the past year has been marked by deep grief and loss, God has sustained us with strength, comfort and hope,” he said.
Mr Ohene Oti added that although the families continue to miss their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers, they remain grateful for the service and sacrifices the departed made to Ghana.
“Though we deeply miss our beloved fathers, husbands, sons and brothers, we remain grateful for the lives they lived, the service they rendered to Ghana, and the enduring legacies they left behind,” he stated.
He also expressed appreciation to religious leaders who have supported the families through prayers and spiritual guidance since the tragedy.
“We are also grateful to the Reverend Ministers, Imams and all religious leaders leading today’s interfaith Memorial Service. Your prayers, spiritual guidance and support have been a source of comfort to our families throughout this difficult journey,” he added.
The memorial service marks one year since the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region.
Among the victims are Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Sarpong; and former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
Three Ghana Armed Forces personnel who formed part of the helicopter crew — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — also lost their lives in the incident.
The one-year commemoration brought together government officials, religious leaders, family members and members of the public to honour the memory of the eight individuals and reflect on their contributions to national service.
