The Catholic Church in Ghana has held a solemn vigil at Christ the King Parish in Accra in honour of the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, who were devoted members of the church during their lifetimes.
The evening was filled with hymns, moving tributes, and words of comfort, as clergy, military personnel, grieving families, and members of the public gathered to pay their final respects.
In an emotional tribute, Dr. Omane Boamah’s wife described her late husband as a pillar of strength for their family.
“Despite your busy schedule as a medical doctor and later in your political roles, you either bathe the children every morning or dress them up when I bathe them. You were always their favourite teacher. You always asked what I would do when you were not around. I never answered you. Until today, I don’t have an answer. I will, with God’s help, take care of mommy and the children. Knowing who you are, I believe you will be looking down on us to guide us through the heavens,” she stated.
Similarly, the wife of Squadron Leader Anala, paying tribute to her husband, described him as the answer to her prayers.
“From the moment I met him, my life has not been the same. My husband was a hardworking man. I have never seen a person more dedicated to his work and household. Peter told me that he will never allow me to lift a finger because he will lift both hands for both of us, and true to his word, I have not had to struggle for anything,” she stated.
Dr. Omane Boamah and Squadron Leader Anala and six others lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash in a forested area at Sikaman within the Adansi Akrofrom District of the Ashanti Region.
They died alongside Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, and four senior government officials while en route to the launch of the government’s Cooperative Mining Initiative in Obuasi.
The other officials who perished were Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, and Deputy NADMO Director-General and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
The vigil concluded with a solemn requiem mass, offering prayers for the souls of the departed and comfort for the grieving families, as the congregation reflected on the enduring impact of their lives and service to the nation.
