In a deeply moving ceremony at Christ the King Parish, families of two national heroes, late Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, sought and received blessings during a Thanksgiving Mass, offering a moment of spiritual healing amid a nation’s mourning.
The Thanksgiving Mass, held on Sunday, August 17, offered a solemn setting where spouses and children of the deceased were invited to the altar. There, they received blessings—a gesture of support that resonated deeply, providing comfort to loved ones still reeling from loss.
This service came in the wake of a tragic helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of eight officials in a Herbin Z-9EH military helicopter (GHF 631). The victims included Dr. Omane Boamah himself, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Mohammed Muniru, NDC Vice-Chairman Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, pilot Peter Bafemi Anala, co-pilot Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and flight engineer Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. The crash occurred in a forested area of the Adansi Akrofuom District as they traveled from Accra to Obuasi
Following the Mass, a state funeral was held at Black Star Square on August 15, where tributes poured in for the fallen. President John Mahama announced the establishment of a Children’s Support Fund, pledging long-term support for the children. The fund, inaugurated by Stanbic Bank Ghana with an initial GH₵500,000 contribution, will cover:
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Education (from primary to tertiary or technical training)
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Healthcare (including medical insurance and specialized care)
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General welfare (including clothing, shelter, and living expenses)
President Mahama also committed to adding a government seed contribution and promised to release an operational framework within 30 days, complete with annual public reporting to ensure transparency.
