The family of the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, says it remains grateful to God for granting them strength, comfort and hope in the year since the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families during a national interfaith memorial service held on Thursday, August 6, family representative Charles Ohene Oti acknowledged that the past 12 months had been filled with profound grief but said faith had sustained them through the difficult period.

“While the past year has been marked by deep grief and loss, God has sustained us with strength, comfort and hope,” he said.

He noted that although the families continue to mourn the loss of their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers, they remain thankful for the lives they lived, the sacrifices they made and their dedicated service to Ghana.

“Though we deeply miss our beloved fathers, husbands, sons and brothers, we remain grateful for the lives they lived, the service they rendered to Ghana, and the enduring legacies they left behind,” he added.

Mr Ohene Oti also expressed appreciation to the Reverend Ministers, Imams and other religious leaders who have stood by the families with prayers, spiritual guidance and encouragement since the tragedy.

“We are also grateful to the Reverend Ministers, Imams and all religious leaders leading today’s interfaith memorial service. Your prayers, spiritual guidance and support have been a source of comfort to our families throughout this difficult journey,” he stated.

The memorial service was held to mark one year since the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra to Kumasi, killing all eight occupants on board.

The victims included Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong; former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; as well as three Ghana Armed Forces personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The one-year remembrance brought together government officials, religious leaders, relatives of the deceased and members of the public to honour the victims and reflect on their contributions to national service.