Mrs Rita Omane Boamah, wife of the 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 August 6 military helicopter crash.
In a message read on her behalf at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, she recalled a question her husband often asked her, but one she never managed to answer:
“Abena Rita, what will you do when I am not around?”
“I never answered you, and till today I don’t have an answer,” she admitted.
Love Story and Family Life
Mrs Omane Boamah fondly recounted their first meeting on a medical school bus, even though she was not a medical student herself. From that day, she said, their journey was filled with love, laughter, and countless late-night walks.
She described her husband as a “loving and perfect father” who balanced the demands of being both a doctor and a politician with family life.
“Despite your busy schedule, you either bathed the children every morning or dressed them while I bathed them. You were their favourite teacher, knowing their syllabus back to back and making time for both study and play,” she shared.
A Promise to Carry On
In her tribute, Mrs Omane Boamah pledged to remain strong for their family.
“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,” she said.
She concluded with a heartfelt message:
“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.”
Remembering the Crash Victims
Dr Edward Omane Boamah was among eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in the helicopter crash. Others included:
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, crew member
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, crew member
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, crew member
Mrs Rita Omane Boamah’s heartfelt words captured the depth of love, devotion, and partnership she shared with her late husband. As the nation mourns the Defence Minister and the seven others lost in the tragic crash, her tribute served as a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices behind national service.
