BY DANIEL BAMPOE
The unveiling of a memorial bust in honour of the late former Defence Minister, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, has triggered an unexpected controversy after members of his family and close associates reportedly rejected the sculpture, arguing that it bears little resemblance to the man it was intended to commemorate.
The bust was unveiled outside the Ministry of Defence in Accra on Thursday, August 6, 2026, exactly one year after the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Dr Omane Boamah and seven other people.
What was intended as a solemn tribute to the former minister has instead generated questions over the quality of the monument and whether the memorial appropriately represents the tragedy that shook Ghana’s political and security establishment.
According to a report cited, a close friend of the late minister openly criticised the monument and called for it to be removed.
The friend argued that the sculpture failed to capture Dr Omane Boamah’s physical appearance and therefore risked becoming an inaccurate representation of his identity for future generations.
“The bust must be removed and redone. It does not depict him. Otherwise, in years to come, it will not serve any purpose because it is not him,” the friend reportedly said.
Beyond the appearance of the bust, another issue has emerged over the decision to dedicate the particular monument solely to Dr Omane Boamah.
He was among eight people who died in the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, in the Ashanti Region.
The other victims were Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, then Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, NDC National Vice Chairman; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and three members of the Ghana Armed Forces — Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala and Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu.
The tragedy therefore claimed lives across Ghana’s political and military establishment.
Dr Omane Boamah, who had served as Defence Minister, was particularly prominent because of his position at the time and his long involvement in Ghanaian public life.
The first anniversary therefore brought together political leaders, family members, colleagues and sympathisers to remember the victims and reflect on the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Mahama attends unveiling
President John Dramani Mahama attended the ceremony at which the memorial bust was unveiled and paid tribute to the late minister and described Dr Omane Boamah as “a friend, a loyalist, and a close adviser”, underscoring the personal and political relationship that existed between the two men.
Mahama also used the occasion to call for stronger safety standards and improved governance, stressing the need for lessons to be drawn from the tragedy to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The late minister’s family also participated in commemorative activities marking the first anniversary of the tragedy.
His three children were seen at a national interfaith memorial service held at the UPSA Auditorium in Accra, where the eight victims of the helicopter crash were collectively remembered.
The children appeared in matching traditional mourning attire alongside other members of their family, providing an emotional reminder of the personal cost of the tragedy beyond the political and institutional consequences.
