- Edem Agbana has honoured the memory of Dr Omane Boamah with a moving tribute following the devastating helicopter crash
- Beyond their shared political beliefs, the Ketu North MP and late Defence Minister were united by a deep passion for Arsenal
- In the coming days, Dr Boamah and six of the other fallen heroes killed in the crash will be laid to rest with full state honours
Wednesday, August 6, 2025, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in Ghana’s recent history following an air tragedy that claimed eight lives.
A Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District, with lives lost including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah.
Source: Getty Images
Dr Boamah, others killed in helicopter crash
The group was travelling from Accra to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme, an initiative designed to tackle illegal mining.
Midway through the journey, the aircraft vanished from radar and was later located near Sikaman, with five senior government officials and three air force officers losing their lives.
The incident quickly became known as ‘Black Wednesday’, with tributes pouring in from across the nation as residents and the government grappled with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Edem Agbana mourns Dr Omane Boamah
Among those mourning was Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North.
He and Dr Boamah shared more than political ties; they were bonded by a deep love for football, particularly their unwavering support for Arsenal.
At a memorial service held at Jubilee House after the crash, the legislator joined dignitaries and grieving families.
Later, he took to X to post a personal message that blended grief with a nod to their shared passion, writing:
“Dear Omane Boamah. We are beginning the season with a trophy. We have Gyokeres now… Come, let’s cheer our darling club Arsenal on… 😭😭😭😭😭 Oh Death !!!”
The message recalled a conversation earlier in the year when Arsenal fell to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
Dr Omane Boamah had publicly urged the club to sign a potent striker after falling short in the Premier League and on the European stage.
That wish came true in the summer with the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres, who recently fired the Gunners to victory in the Emirates Cup, according to The Standard.
Sadly, his friend would never see their team fight for glory with its new talisman.
Obuasi crash: When is Dr Omane Boamah’s funeral?
Two of the victims, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Murtala, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Muniru Limuna Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, were laid to rest on Sunday, August 10, per Islamic rites.
Dr Boamah will receive a state burial on August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square, according to a release from the Presidency.
Source: Facebook
He will be interred alongside Dr Samuel Sarpong, former Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Aboagye, former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the helicopter crash remain under investigation. Addressing the nation, President John Mahama confirmed that the aircraft’s black boxes had been recovered, which will assist in finding much needed answers.
According to the BBC, Ghana’s meteorological agency had predicted cold weather conditions unusual for August, with conditions said to be foggy on the day of the tragedy. Some eyewitnesses also claimed they had seen the helicopter flying at a low altitude.
Dr Boamah helped in 2001 stadium disaster
Earlier, YEN.com.gh also reported on the words of a respected football administrator who, like many Ghanaians, mourned the death of prominent national figures.
He remembered Dr Omane Boamah’s service to Ghanaian football, especially his pivotal role in leading rescue efforts during the May 9 stadium tragedy in 2001.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
