President John Dramani Mahama has paid glowing tribute to the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, describing him as "one of a rare kind" whose loyalty, friendship and dedicated service to Ghana will never be forgotten.

The President made the remarks on Thursday during the unveiling of a cenotaph in honour of Dr Omane Boamah at the Ministry of Defence as part of activities marking the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people.

President Mahama said the occasion was deeply personal because of the close relationship he shared with the late Defence Minister, describing him as a trusted friend, loyal ally and dependable adviser throughout his political journey.

"His immortalising is personal for me. Omane was a great human being. His kind is difficult to find in our world today. His love for me is undoubted; he was a friend, a loyalist and a close adviser. He stood by my side all through my political career. His service to the nation will never be forgotten," the President said.

He also extended the nation's condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Defence Minister.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by government officials, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, family members, friends and other dignitaries. It followed a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service held earlier in the day to commemorate the eight victims of the helicopter crash.

The memorial service brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, bereaved families and members of the public.

Religious leaders offered prayers and words of comfort to the families while encouraging Ghanaians to uphold the values of service, sacrifice and patriotism exemplified by the deceased.

The eight victims lost their lives on August 6, 2025, when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra on official duty.

Those who died were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; and Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu.