The family of the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, has thanked God for giving them strength, comfort and hope one year after the fatal helicopter crash that took his life and seven others.
Speaking on behalf of the family at a national inter-faith memorial service on Thursday, August 6, to mark the first anniversary of the eight victims, the family spokesperson, Charles Ohene Oti, said the past 12 months have been filled with sorrow and pain.
He said despite the grief, God’s grace has held the families together and they remain grateful for the lives and service of those who died. “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 said although they still feel the absence of their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers, the families appreciate the dedication and sacrifices the deceased made for 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 thanked clergy who have stood with the families through prayer and pastoral care 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 marks one year since the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while flying from Accra to the Ashanti Region.
The other victims include Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Samuel Sarpong; and former NDC parliamentary candidate. Samuel Aboagye.
Three Ghana Armed Forces crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, also died in the crash.
The one-year remembrance drew government officials, religious leaders, relatives and members of the public to pay tribute to the eight and reflect on their contributions to national duty.
