President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a cenotaph in honour of late Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah.

The unveiling marked one year since Dr Omane Boamah and seven others died in a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash. They were en route to Obuasi on an anti-illegal mining mission.

The cenotaph stands within the precincts of the Ministry of Defence in Accra. It features a statue of the late minister and serves as a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice.

The Ministry of Defence organised the unveiling on Thursday, August 6, exactly one year after the tragedy.

After the unveiling, President Mahama lit a memorial candle on behalf of the nation, to honour Dr Omane Boamah and the seven other victims.

Vice President Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang lit a candle on behalf of the Armed Forces Council.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who is serving as caretaker Defence Minister, lit a candle on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Addressing the gathering, President Mahama paid tribute to Dr Omane Boamah.

He described him as "one of a rare kind" whose loyalty, friendship and dedication to national service would never be forgotten.

Mahama said the tribute was deeply personal, as he described the late minister as a loyal friend and trusted adviser throughout his political career.

The unveiling followed a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service held earlier the same day.

The service commemorated all eight victims of the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash. It brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, bereaved families and other dignitaries, with religious leaders offering prayers and messages of comfort, urging Ghanaians to preserve the values and legacy of the deceased.

The victims died when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. They were travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region on official duty.

The eight victims were:

- Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Defence Minister

- Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation

- Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

- Dr Samuel Sarpong, NDC National Vice Chairman

- Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate

- Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

- Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu