What began as a chance encounter on a medical school bus turned into a lifelong bond for Rita Adubei Offei, the widow of Ghana’s late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah. In a heartfelt tribute delivered during the state funeral on Friday, August 15, she described their journey together as nothing short of destiny.
“Kofi B! as I affectionately called you! We were destined to be together! Though I was not a medical student, fate brought us together on that fateful day, when I boarded the medical school bus,” she recalled, drawing tears from mourners as Ghana bid farewell to eight patriots who died in service.
Their romance, she said, was built on the simplest of joys — particularly their evening tradition of buying kenkey and fish. “Our night walks from my home to buy kenkey and fish, and vice versa. I always looked forward to visiting you in school so we would embark on our walk to buy kenkey and fish. Thus, buying and eating kenkey together became our hallmark.”
To Rita, those walks revealed the qualities that made her certain he would be “a loving and perfect father.” She noted that her late husband bore a striking resemblance to her father, something he acknowledged from their very first meeting. “You knew that you had a partner for life. You were truly God sent,” she added.
Their union was sealed with a marriage proposal that led to a wedding held on her birthday, a day that became a double celebration every year. “We have always had a double celebration on my birthdays and were hoping the same for this year too,” she said softly.
As a father, Dr Boamah left a lasting mark on their children. “You were nothing short of a wonderful father. You were a great source of hope to me and the children. Despite your busy schedule as a Doctor and later in your political roles, you either bathed the children every morning or dressed them up while I bathed them.”
She fondly remembered how he became their most dedicated teacher, creating timetables, guiding them through their studies, and knowing “all their syllabus back to back.” For Rita, these moments reflected his unwavering devotion both to family and duty.
Throughout their years together, one question lingered — one he often asked her: “Abena Rita, what will you do when I am not around?” She admitted she never had an answer, and still doesn’t. But with faith, she promised to care for his mother and their three children, trusting that he would be watching over them.
“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. God be with you till we meet again. Rest in power, my love!” she concluded, her words echoing through the hall as the nation mourned with her.
