Celebrated Ghanaian playwright, author, motivational speaker, and artistic director at Roverman Productions, Ebo Whyte, has poured out a heartfelt and grief-stricken tribute to the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, following Ghana’s tragic military helicopter crash on 6 August.

In a heartfelt post shared on his Facebook page, the Roverman Productions director recounted the moments of disbelief when he was infirmed about the tragic helicopter which involved the late Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah on that afternoon of Wednesday August 6, few hours after the Ghana Armed Forces announced that a helicopter carrying the Minister, the Environment Minister, Mutarla Mohammed and six others have gone of their radar.

He began with how his intercom rang and the voice at the other side said, ‘Uncle, breaking news, a military helicopter has crashed on its way to Obuasi.’ The news hit me hard..… Time froze for me.”

Eulogising the late Defense Minister for his selflessness and principle-driven, he reflected on a memorable encounter with Dr. Boamah.As a politician who embodies selflessness, Uncle Ebo revealed how the late Minister declined his offer to help him publish his memoir, but was declined by the latter citing the need to protect the playwright's apololitical credibility and respect.

Whyte described: “How rare it is for a politician to show such selflessness..… He didn’t want to exploit my voice. He wanted to protect it", this gesture won Uncle Ebo's heart earning the Minister what Whyte described "my deepest respect.”

He continued that, had Omane lived longer, he would have been regarded as one of the potential candidates for the country's presidency.

He was a man of character and promise. “Ghana has lost a true son. A leader. A potential president in Omane Boamah.”

Background

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) earlier reported that its airforce helicopter Z9, which took off this morning at 0912 hrs from Accra and headed for Obuasi, was off the radar.

Hours later, the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah confirmed the unfortunate demise of the 8 individuals comprising three crew and five passengers.

The deceased are Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force; Flying Officer Tsum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force; Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.

Recent development

The samples of the remains of the deceased involved in the tragic Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on August 6 have been transported to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.

Per reports, the autopsy and identification procedures were to have been carried out by the 37 Military Hospital; however, the conditions of the bodies have called for advanced forensic processes.

Burial for Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, was expected to be conducted on Thursday, August 7, as per Islamic tradition.

However, speaking to the media, the Deputy Minister explained that the recent development was due to the condition of the victims’ remains, adding that the government and families of the deceased are awaiting autopsy results and investigative clearance.

“The information earlier was that, because of Islamic tradition, the Muslims among them were to be buried today. I am sure those decisions were taken before the actual state of the remains was determined.

“When that was done, it was clear to all that it was going to be practically impossible to carry out any burial today. So, those who had to be communicated to were quickly informed last night, and arrangements were suspended until further notice, or until some examinations are done before new dates are communicated,” Suhuyini added.

However, on The presidency in an official statement dated August 9,announced that the burial of the Minister and other Muslims that were involved in the accident is going to be held today, Sunday, August 10 at the forecourt of the State house.

On Friday, 15th August, an inter-denominational state funeral will be held for the eight individuals who lost their lives.

Books of condolence will be opened simultaneously at the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, the National Democratic Congress headquarters, and the head office of NADMO, from Sunday, 10th August to Thursday, 14th August 2025.

President John Mahama has assured the bereaved families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.

He made this known after acknowledging that “as we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important.”

An Investigative Board of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash, the president revealed. The president further informed Ghanaians that “the flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been retrieved.”

The president has called on all and sundry to stand united in this difficult time.

“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring. It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else fails. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.

To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the Ministries and Departments that have lost dedicated staff, and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and their legacy. May we all be comforted by the knowledge that, though they are gone from our sight, they remain forever in the spirit of the nation they so faithfully served,” the president remarked.

Profile of Omane Boamah

Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah is a prominent Ghanaian politician, medical doctor, and Health Policy Planning and Financing Analyst with a rich background in strategic negotiation, solution-oriented leadership, environmental security and ICT including cybersecurity.

He possesses a strong educational foundation from esteemed institutions, including the University of Ghana Medical School, the London School of Economics and Political Science, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Harvard University.

His diverse educational background enables him to integrate his medical expertise with a deep understanding of financial planning and strategic analysis when addressing complex challenges.

Dr. Omane Boamah has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in various key roles. As Minister for Communications and Spokesperson for the President of Ghana, he championed several vital cybersecurity initiatives, including Child Online Protection, and led the rollout of the Government of Ghana's 4G LTE network (GOTA), which provides enhanced communication capabilities for security agencies.

As a former Civilian Employee of the Ministry of Defence, he has an unwavering commitment to national and human security. His innovative thinking and excellent negotiation skills, position him as a forward-thinking leader, ready to address the complexities of modern security challenges and an advocate for the institution's dignity and well-being of service women and men.