The Ministry of Defence has unveiled a cenotaph and launched a special commemorative edition of the Defender Magazine in honour of the late Dr Edward Omane Boamah as part of activities marking the first anniversary of the Z-9 Helicopter crash of August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians. The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Defence was organised to celebrate the life, service, and enduring legacy of the former Defence Minister, whose contributions to national development and public service continue to inspire the nation.

The President of the Republic of Ghana and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, HE John Dramani Mahama, who was the Special Guest of Honour, described the unveiling of the cenotaph as a fitting tribute to a statesman who served Ghana with distinction. He noted that the monument represents more than stone and inscriptions, serving instead as a lasting symbol of the values Dr Omane Boamah embodied that is service, integrity, patriotism and sacrifice. President Mahama commended the late minister for his unwavering commitment to national security, his efforts to strengthen the Ghana Armed Forces, and his contribution to Ghana’s democratic governance. He revealed that the immortalisation of Dr Omane Boamah held deep personal significance, describing him as a loyal friend and trusted ally who stood by him throughout his political journey. The President also expressed appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces for honouring the late minister and thanked the President of Burkina Faso for sending a special envoy to the ceremony. He extended the condolences of the nation to Dr Omane Boamah’s family, friends, and colleagues.

The Acting Minister for Defence, Hon Cassiel Ato Forson, described the occasion as a national affirmation that the late minister’s life of service, integrity and patriotism would never be forgotten. He said the cenotaph stands as a permanent symbol of gratitude to a leader whose vision, humility and commitment strengthened the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces. According to him, Dr Omane Boamah consistently championed professionalism, discipline, accountability, and reforms that enhanced the operational readiness of the Ghana Armed Forces while advocating improved welfare for veterans and stronger collaboration between the military and civilian institutions.

The Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon Brogya Genfi, noted that preserving the memory of exemplary leaders reinforces the values that sustain national institutions. He disclosed that the cenotaph was constructed entirely at no cost to the state through the sponsorship of FT Global Company Limited and thanked the President for gracing the occasion.

The cenotaph was officially unveiled by the President, assisted by the Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Acting Defence Minister Hon Cassiel Ato Forson. A candle-lighting ceremony followed, with candles lit on behalf of the nation, the Armed Forces Council, the Ministry of Defence, the Ghana Armed Forces and the family of the late Dr Omane Boamah. The event was attended by the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Hon Fiifi Kwetey; Burkina Faso’s Minister for War and Patriotic Defence, General Célestin Simporé; members of the Council of State, Senior  Government Officials, Members of Parliament, members of the Judiciary, Service Chiefs, heads of the security services, traditional authorities, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests.