President Mahama unveils Accra cenotaph marking one year since Ghana helicopter tragedy

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a cenotaph honouring late Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, exactly one year after he and seven others were killed in a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash.

The memorial, which includes a statue of Dr Omane Boamah, was unveiled on Thursday, 6 August 2026, within the precincts of the Ministry of Defence in Accra. The ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Defence to mark the first anniversary of the disaster and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who died.

After unveiling the cenotaph, President Mahama lit a memorial candle on behalf of the nation in memory of Dr Omane Boamah and the seven other victims.

Vice-President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang lit a candle on behalf of the Armed Forces Council. Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who is serving as caretaker Defence Minister, lit another on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama described Dr Omane Boamah as “one of a rare kind”, praising his loyalty, friendship and commitment to national service.

The president said the tribute carried particular personal significance because of the close relationship he had shared with the former minister.

“His immortalising is personal for me. Omane was a great human being. His kind is difficult to find in our world today. His love for me is undoubted; he was a friend, a loyalist and a close adviser. He stood by my side all through my political career. His service to the nation will never be forgotten,” he said.

President Mahama also offered the nation’s sympathies to Dr Omane Boamah’s family, friends and colleagues.

Government officials, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, relatives, friends, clergy, former colleagues and other dignitaries attended the event to remember the late minister and reflect on his legacy.

Memorial service for all eight victims

The cenotaph unveiling came after a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service held earlier on Thursday for all eight people who died in the crash.

The service was attended by government representatives, religious leaders, traditional authorities, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, bereaved families and other dignitaries. Religious leaders led prayers and delivered messages of comfort, while calling on Ghanaians to uphold the values and preserve the legacy of those who lost their lives.

The crash occurred on 6 August 2025, when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter came down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The aircraft was travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region on official duty.

Those killed were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; NDC National Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; and Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu.

The commemorative events were held as part of national efforts to honour the eight victims and remember their service, sacrifice and enduring contribution after they died in the line of duty.