By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
In an instant, a single military helicopter crashed on August 6, 2025, and erased eight lives, leaving a nation to grapple with loss. The state funeral held on Friday, August 15, was not just a tribute to public figures but a poignant window into the human stories behind the headlines. The eulogies, delivered by spouses, siblings, and colleagues, revealed the personal, often intimate, details of these men’s lives, reminding everyone that beneath their titles lay husbands, fathers, sons, and friends.
The Journey to a Final Rest
The eight victims—including two prominent ministers and three members of the Ghana Armed Forces—perished when their military helicopter crashed on August 6, 2025, in the Adansi area of the Ashanti region. They were on a mission to combat illegal mining on a flight to Obuasi. The tragedy, which occurred just two days before their planned return, sent shockwaves through the nation. The state funeral, marked by a three-day national mourning period, became a collective expression of grief and a tribute to the sacrifice of those who died while serving their country. The posthumous promotions of the three military personnel by President John Dramani Mahama served as a final, solemn gesture of respect for “duty performed even unto death.”
Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah: A Loving and Fearless Leader
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah was a medical doctor and a veteran politician. Born on December 26, 1975, he was the Defence Minister for the Republic of Ghana. He previously served as Minister of Communication, Minister for Youth and Sports, and Presidential Spokesperson under President John Dramani Mahama. He was also a former president of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) and the NDC’s Director of Elections and IT. He was a strategic leader and author, with publications including “GETFund: A NUGS President’s Account.”
The tributes for Dr. Boamah painted a picture of a man who was both a loving family figure and a formidable political strategist. His wife, Rita Omane Boamah, revealed a tender side of the politician, recalling their love story that began on a medical school bus. She highlighted his dedication as a father, who, despite a demanding career, made time to bathe or dress his children every morning. His haunting question to her, “Abena Rita, what will you do when I am not around?” underscored the sudden and brutal finality of his absence. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, further reinforced his dual nature, describing him as a fearless leader and a “gem the NDC has lost.” Lt. Gen. Oppong-Peprah, the Chief of Defence Staff, described his tenure as “transformative,” marked by “innovation, merit-
based recruitment, retooling of the Armed Forces, and prioritizing the welfare and healthcare of troops.” This combination of intellect, compassion, and resilience made him a treasure to his party and the nation.
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed: The Hinge of a Family and a Servant of the People
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was a respected statesman and development planner. Born on December 14, 1974, he was a former teacher who held multiple Master’s degrees and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Ghana. He held several ministerial roles, including Deputy Minister for Information and Media Relations and Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry. Most recently, he was appointed Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, a position he held until his tragic death.
Dr. Murtala Muhammed was remembered by his siblings as “the hinge on which our family turns,” a simple yet powerful metaphor for his central role as a pillar of support. His tribute highlighted his journey from teacher to politician, his unwavering loyalty to his party, and his ability to balance public duties with family life. The family found solace in their faith, viewing his death while serving the country as a “good demise,” a “jihad” in the truest sense. His siblings’ poetic tribute, titled “If We Cry,” summed up their loss, saying the tears they shed were a reminder of the fragility of life and the emotional bonds they shared. A Facebook post cited by his siblings described him as “a formidable opponent… well researched,” a praise they said outweighed any written eulogy.
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah: A Short Love Story and a Loud Silence
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah was an aircraft technician enlisted in the Ghana Armed Forces in 2011. Born on July 5, 1988, he was a flight engineer and a part of the Z-9 helicopter’s technical crew. He was remembered for his honesty, kindness, and devotion to his faith as a devout Christian.
For Sergeant Addo Mensah, his death was especially heartbreaking. His widow, Mercy Amoah, spoke of their short but profound marriage, having been married for just a month. They had planned their wedding on his birthday, July 5, 2025, so he would never forget their anniversary. Her raw grief was palpable as she recalled his last promise to return from his flight. Her words, “You said you had a flight to Obuasi and you’ll be back, I’m still waiting, I don’t know for how long I will continue waiting, but I’ll still wait,” captured the essence of her grief and a love cut short. She also revealed his exceptional dedication to his work, describing the Z-9 helicopter as his “best friend,” and his deep faith, which earned him the nickname ‘Apostle.’
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala: A Hero’s Last Dream and an Unbroken Bond
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala has been a commissioned officer in the Ghana Armed Forces since 2014. He was an advanced pilot, praised for his technical expertise and mentorship, which contributed to the Air Force’s combat readiness.
Squadron Leader Anala was remembered by his wife as a man of excellence, humility, and deep faith. The tribute, read on her behalf, revealed a man whose life was centered on his family and God. The most chilling detail was his premonition. Before returning to Ghana, he confided in his mother about a troubling dream. The family’s subsequent prayers and the unanswered messages on the morning of the crash added a tragic, almost fated, dimension to his story. Her tribute also highlighted a beautiful new chapter in their lives, the birth of their first child, a “precious blessing” whose christening had been planned for October, a testament to a family’s hope now turned to sorrow. She concluded her message with a final, poignant salute: “Peter, our hero, our light… you fought a good fight. You finished your race. You kept the faith. Until we meet again in God’s glory.”
Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu: Shattered Dreams and an Enduring Love
Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu was a commissioned officer in the Ghana Armed Forces from 2021, having trained at the Royal Air Force Academy. He was lauded for his precision, adaptability, and tactical understanding as a pilot.
The tribute to Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu, delivered by his wife, Lt. Ewuradwoa Kumi-Kyeremeh, was a raw and emotional account of a love story with shattered dreams. She recounted meeting her husband on his birthday in 2022 and the special bond they shared. Her words, “Manaen, please respond and answer me, because this silence is too loud,” echoed the painful emptiness of losing a best friend and partner. She spoke of a man who was “considerate, attentive, giving, fun, and loving,” a person who was a quiet source of strength. She concluded with a powerful declaration of her enduring love: “My forever and a day. Sleep well, my love. May the earth rest lightly on you. God be with you till we meet again.” Her tribute was a universal expression of grief for a future that will now never be.
Dr Muniru Mohammed Limuna: A Legacy of Humility and Dedication
Dr. Muniru Mohammed Limuna was the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security. He was known for his humility, dedication, and commitment to public service.
Dr. Muniru Mohammed Limuna was remembered for his humility and dedication to public service. The National Security Council Secretariat described his loss as creating a lasting gap in Ghana’s history. His colleagues were inspired by his commitment to his work, with one colleague noting his punctuality and strictness on late attendance at public functions, showing a man who not only preached but embodied discipline and service. The tribute also revealed a poignant detail: he passed away on his first official assignment in his new role, underscoring his lifelong commitment to serving his country to the very end. The Secretariat’s tribute to him states, “His time with us was very brief, but his vision will endure for years to come.”
Dr Samuel Sarpong: The Devoted Servant
Dr. Samuel Sarpong was a Vice Chairman of the NDC and a former parliamentary candidate. He was known for his tireless work behind the scenes and his role as a pillar of his community.
Dr. Sarpong was remembered as a devoted servant of his party and a pillar of his community. His memorial highlighted his unwavering commitment and integral role in the political landscape. The loss of a figure like Sarpong, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, reminds the nation that public service is not just about high-profile roles but also about the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of political and community life. The outpouring of tributes, particularly from colleagues, highlighted that his service was celebrated as a testament to his patriotism.
Samuel Aboagye: A Pillar of Dedication
Samuel Aboagye was the Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). Born on December 23, 1990, he was a Christian, a visionary businessman, and a FIFA-licensed agent. He was a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and was married with two daughters.
Mr. Aboagye was honored for his dedication to public service. Like Dr. Sarpong, his tribute was a testament to the essential role of grassroots leaders and party stalwarts. He was a man who, though not in the highest political office, was vital to the fabric of his community and party. The tributes for both Sarpong and Aboagye serve as a poignant reminder that the tragedy claimed not only national leaders but also committed patriots who worked tirelessly to serve their nation. Their loss was felt deeply by those who worked alongside them.
A Nation United in Grief and Legacy
The individual stories of loss woven into the fabric of the state funeral reveal a nation’s collective pain. The Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, captured this
feeling in her tribute, recalling a meeting with the fallen victims and acknowledging the painful reality that, as she said, “man proposes, God disposes.” The sheer weight of the tributes from spouses, colleagues, and family members underscores the fact that this was not merely the loss of public servants, but of colleagues, mentors, and friends whose absence will be felt for years to come.
The call by the Volta Regional Minister to resist politicizing the tragedy and to come together as one nation speaks to the unifying power of shared grief. As the Chief of Defence Staff put it, “To the bereaved families, I extend my deepest condolences. As the bugle sounds and the night holds its silence, we salute them — brave men who served with pride and fell with honour.”
In their final farewell, Ghana did not just bury its dead; it honoured their legacies of service, loyalty, and love.
