Mrs Rita Omane Boamah, wife of the late Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, delivered a touching tribute to her husband during the final state funeral for the eight Ghanaians who died in the August 6 military helicopter crash.

In a tribute read on her behalf at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, she recalled how her husband often posed a question she has never been able to answer: “Abena Rita, what will you do when I am not around?”

“I never answered you, and till today I don’t have an answer,” she said.

Mrs Omane Boamah recounted their first meeting on a medical school bus, even though she was not a medical student, describing their journey as one filled with love, laughter, and late-night walks.

She described the late Defence Minister as a “loving and perfect father” who balanced his demanding career as a doctor and politician with family life.

“Despite your busy schedule, you either bathed the children every morning or dressed them while I bathed them. You were their favourite teacher, knowing their syllabus back to back and making time for both study and play,” she said.

“I will, with God’s help, take care of mummy and our three kids, knowing you will be looking down on us from the heavens,” she added.

“Kofi B, thank you for loving me, thank you for loving the children, thank you for loving my family and all who came to know you. Rest in power, my love.”

Dr Edward Omane Boamah was among eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in the helicopter crash, alongside Minister for Environment Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; and crew members Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.