‘YOU ALWAYS ASKED ME, WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN I’M NOT AROUND’ – Omane Boamah’s widow delivers tearful tribute
Rita Omane Boamah, widow of the late Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, delivered a heartfelt tribute during his final funeral rites at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, 2025, recalling cherished moments from their life together.
Reading her tribute, Mrs. Boamah said she first met her husband on a Medical School bus a meeting that began a journey filled with love, companionship, and shared memories. She fondly recounted their favourite night walks to buy kenkey and fish, moments she described as deepening their bond.
“Recounting moments when he was alive, he often asked me, ‘Abena Rita, what will you do when I am not around?’ I never answered, and till today, I still don’t have an answer,” she said with emotion.
Dr Omane Boamah was among eight people who died in the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025. The delegation was travelling to Obuasi to attend the launch of the Responsible Community and Cooperative Mining Programme when the tragedy struck.
The crash also claimed the lives of Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
Three Ghana Air Force crew members Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah also perished in the accident.
Read full tribute below
When peace like a river attended my way, when sorrow like sea billows roll, whatever my Lord, thou has taught me to say, it is well with my soul. KB, as I affectionately called you, we were destined to be together. Though I was not a medical student, fate brought us together on that fateful day when I boarded the Medical School bus. Our friendship started and was nothing short of love and adventure. Our night walk from my home to buy Kenkey and fish and vice versa. I always looked forward to visiting you in school so we could embark on our love walk to buy kenkey and fish. Thus, our walk to buy kenkey and fish became our hallmark. In fact, I saw a father in you because you were the exact replica of my dad. You also confirmed to me, when you first met my dad, that you knew you had found in me a partner for life. I had no doubt you will be a loving and perfect father to our children. You were truly God-sent. Your commitment and love was such that you proposed we got married on my birthday. And we have always had a double celebration on my birthday, which I was looking forward to this year also. When we started having kids, you were a wonderful father.
You were a great source of hope to me and the children. Despite your busy schedule as a medical doctor and later in your political roles, you either bathed the children every morning or dressed them up while I bathed them. You were their favourite teacher because you knew their syllabus back-to-back. You always had a strict timetable for their private studies yet you made room for their play and adventure. You were truly a family man- the definition of a genuine person with a pure heart of gold. In our years of marriage, you always asked, Abena Rita, what will you do when I am not around? I never answered and till today I don’t have an answer. I will, with the help of God, take care of mummy and the three kids. Knowing who you are, I believe you will be looking down on us to guide us through the heavens. Kofi B, thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving the children.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
