“I Stood for Eight Hours Today, Not to Perform Surgery Or Make Diagnoses, But Helplessly Identifying Lifeless Body of my Mentor”- Amoakohene Mourns Dr. Omane Boamah and Seven Others

Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has delivered a deeply emotional tribute to the eight Ghanaians who tragically perished in the military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, describing the experience of identifying their lifeless bodies as one of the most excruciating moments of his life.

In a heart-rending post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Amoakohene paid a personal and poignant tribute to Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister for Defence and one of the victims, calling him a “mentor,” “senior,” and “backbone” in both his professional and political life.

“Dr. Omane Boamah was my senior in both medicine and politics, and more importantly, my mentor. I stood for eight hours today, not to perform surgery or make diagnoses, but helplessly identifying the lifeless bodies of my mentor and seniors. A deeply painful moment beyond words,” he wrote.

The helicopter, carrying high-ranking government officials and air force personnel, crashed in a forested area in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while en route to Obuasi for a national assignment. All eight occupants aboard the aircraft lost their lives.

Dr. Amoakohene, who is also a medical doctor, said the pain was even deeper because of his personal bond with Dr. Omane Boamah.

“The first time I met the President was in 2017, when Dr. Omane introduced me to him after supporting my bid for the NUGS presidency. Since then, he has been a backbone and a tremendous support system in my journey,” he revealed.

“I have lost more than a senior and big brother.”

The crash has triggered widespread grief across Ghana, with President John Dramani Mahama declaring three days of national mourning. All flags are to fly at half-mast until further notice, and all presidential engagements have been suspended.

The full list of the deceased includes:

• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
• Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment
• Dr. Samuel Sarpong – National Vice Chairman of the NDC
• Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Samuel Aboagye – Civilian staff
• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Pilot
• Flying Officer Twum Ampadu – Co-pilot
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Flight technician

The bodies were airlifted to Burma Camp in Accra and then transported to the 37 Military Hospital for preservation. Dr. Amoakohene was part of the government team that undertook the grim task of identifying the victims.

He concluded his tribute with a somber reflection that speaks to the gravity of the loss:

“To stand in the midst of their remains today was not only humbling but spiritually crushing. These were people who gave their all for Ghana. Their dreams, their energy, their lives—gone in an instant.”

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