Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, who doubles as the current Member of Parliament, has shared a heart-wrenching and emotional tribute following the death of his mentor and friend, the late Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane-Boamah.

Taking to his page on X (formerly Twitter), he begins with questions of who to turn to at this time, where everyone seems to be shattered and grief-stricken by the tragic death of the Minister and the other seven statemen.

Unable to hold back his emotions, he says the pain he feels is so deep that words can't fully explain it.

He eulogised his calm nature and the extraordinary support and mentorship he's offered him in his political career, calling him "the elder brother I didn't have".

Sam George expressed worry about Omane's wife and children, including his mother, since he is the only child of his mother. he mentioned how the Minister had always expressed concern about what would become of his mother in his absence.

The Communications Minister, who is known as an ardent Christian believer, referred to the Holy Book, which admonishes us to give thanks to God in all things. However, the death of his brother and friend, he said, has shaken his faith, clouding his mind with several questions, serious questions for God.

He begins, "Where do I start, and to whom do I turn? Everyone else is distraught and in despair? How does such a tragedy befall a man so calm and warm? How do you leave me and the squad like this? The tears flow even when I try to compose myself. Composure is a distant reality for me, as the pain I feel cannot be expressed fully.Kofi, why? How? This is not what we agreed!

You always asked me who would take care of your Mum if anything were to ever happen to you. What did you know that you had from me? Rita and the kids? Who can be there for them like you? Oh why?

No one has been of greater help or support to me in my political career. I call you Boss and you call me Bro. You didn't just care about my politics, you cared and loved my family. You chose the school for my kids and even ask me every term about their performance. You were not a Colleague, you were the elder brother I didn't have.

You would call me and admonish me when you saw a social media post of mine. Who would guide me now? You have been my compass and guiding light these past 7 months since I was appointed Minister. Preparing me for the Cabinet and showing me the ropes. Who do I turn to now?

My faith is shaken. My belief is gone. We are told to give thanks in all things. How can I give thanks in this? How do I say it is well? It is certainly not well! I have questions to ask God. Very serious questions. How does this happen?

Kofi Omane Boamah, wake up and tell me to activate all body cameras. Call me and say, Dzata, you have done your thing again. Just pick your call, Boss. Please! 😭😭😭" he ended with tears emoji.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has declared a three-day national mourning in honour of the Minister and the rest of the victims of the Adansi fatal helicopter crash yesterday.

In a statement dated August 6, shared by the Presidency yesterday, the president ordered that all his scheduled meetings be cancelled for the rest of the week.

"President John Dramani Mahama has suspended all his scheduled activities and programmes for the rest of the week, following Wednesday's national tragedy involving eight persons who died in a helicopter crash.

"There will be three days of national mourning starting tomorrow, Thursday, 7 August 2025", parts of the statement read.

The president reiterated that all flags must be flown at half-mast until further notice.

"The government, through the Chief of Staff, has meanwhile directed that all flags must fly at half-mast until further notice".

The directive comes after a fatal helicopter crash claimed the lives of eight individuals, including Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and is being described by the government as a national tragedy.

Other victims included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The Minister, MP and the other six, including the pilots serving in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), were en route for a state assignment. In the early hours of Wednesday, the GAF announced that the helicopter carrying the deceased had gone off their radar.

Hours later, reports of a crash were announced until the Chief of Staff, Julius debrah officially confirmed their demise in a press conference at the Jubilee House in the afternoon.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah directed that all flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice as the country mourns the death of the 8 individuals following the crash at Adansi Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.

Following the death of these statemen, several tributes have poured in, some from the general public, members of the Minority and even beyond Ghana.

The Council of State described the victims as “patriotic individuals who served our country with honour, diligence, and devotion,” urging citizens to uphold the values they embodied. The Minority Caucus in Parliament issued a heartfelt statement: “Your loss is our loss; your grief is our grief,” and praised the ministers for their intellect, patriotism, and commitment to Ghana’s future.

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia posted on X: “The fallen men paid the ultimate price in the service of our motherland, leaving a shocked nation in pain.” Minister Emelia Arthur wrote, “Farewell, my brother. I will remember the specific conversation we had forever.” Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu honored Murtala Mohammed, saying, “Your commendable efforts have created a legacy that inspires and uplifts our nation”.

Globally, leaders and institutions expressed solidarity. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the loss was not just Ghana’s but Africa’s. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan called the ministers “committed public servants” whose legacy should inspire future generations. The African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina described the tragedy as “devastating”.

The United Nations in Ghana, through Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhury, mourned the loss as a “national wound” and pledged continued support for Ghana during its mourning period. Kenyan President William Ruto extended condolences and assured Ghana of Kenya’s prayers and solidarity.