“Rest in power, my love” – Wife of Late defence minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah pays heartfelt tribute
Mrs. Rita Omane Boamah, the widow of the late Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has honoured the memory of her husband during an interdenominational state funeral held on Friday, August 15, 2025.
In her tribute, Mrs. Boamah reflected on her journey with Dr. Omane Boamah, recounting their first meeting, shared experiences, and the profound love that defined their life together. With a steady voice and a heavy heart, she began with the words of the timeless hymn:
“It is well, it is well
With my soul, with my soul,
It is well, it is well
With my soul.”
She affectionately recalled the early days of their relationship, recounting how fate brought them together on a medical school bus, even though she was not a medical student. From that seemingly simple encounter blossomed a relationship full of love, laughter, and memories.
“Our friendship started and was nothing short of love and adventure. Our night walks from my home to buy kenkey and fish, and vice versa,” she shared. “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.”
The solemn ceremony commemorated the lives of eight distinguished individuals who tragically perished in a helicopter crash on August 6.
Dr. Omane Boamah, a respected physician and statesman, died alongside seven others when their helicopter crashed in a forested area near Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofrom District of the Ashanti Region. The team was en route to Obuasi to launch the government’s Cooperative Mining Initiative when the accident occurred.
Among the other victims were:
- Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment
- Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman
- Samuel Aboagye, Deputy NADMO Director-General and former parliamentary candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Mrs. Boamah described her husband not only as a dedicated public servant and devoted father but also as a man whose love and commitment defined their family life.
“In fact, I saw a father in you because you were the exact replica of my father. You also confirmed that when you met my dad for the first time. You knew that you had a partner for life,” she recounted.
She described their wedding, which took place on her birthday, a deliberate act that allowed them to share in double celebrations each year—a tradition she had hoped to continue.
“When we started having kids, you were nothing short of a wonderful father,” she continued. “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. You were their favourite teacher, because you knew all their syllabus back to back. You always had a strict timetable for their studies, but made room for play and adventures.”
Mrs. Boamah praised her late husband as “a definition of a genuine person with a pure heart of gold,” highlighting the deep love he showed to his family and everyone who knew him. She also revealed a recurring question he often asked during their marriage: “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, her voice filled with emotion. “I will, with God’s help, take care of mummy and our three kids, knowing who you are, I believe you will be looking down on us to guide us through from the heavens.”
In her closing words, Mrs. Boamah thanked her husband for his love and dedication:
“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!”
The state funeral, attended by government officials, family, friends, and the general public, marked a somber moment in Ghana’s recent history, as the nation mourns the loss of eight patriots who dedicated their lives to national service.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah will be remembered not only for his service to Ghana but also for the depth of love and humanity he shared with those closest to him.
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