The family of the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, has expressed appreciation to God for the strength and comfort received in the year following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed his life and seven others.

Speaking on behalf of the family during a National Interfaith Memorial Service held in honour of the eight victims on Thursday, August 6, family representative Charles Ohene Oti said the past 12 months had been filled with sorrow but also marked by divine support and hope.

He said although the families continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones, they remain thankful for the lives they lived, the service they rendered to Ghana and the impact they left behind.

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

He added that the absence of their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers remains deeply painful, but the families take pride in the dedication and sacrifices the deceased made in serving the country.

“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 stated.

Mr Ohene Oti also acknowledged the role of religious leaders in supporting the bereaved families through prayers, encouragement and spiritual guidance 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 said.

The memorial service marked one year since the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra on an official assignment.

The incident claimed the lives of eight people, including Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong; and former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.

The three Ghana Armed Forces personnel on board the aircraft — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — also died in the crash.

The first anniversary commemoration brought together government officials, religious leaders, military personnel, family members and members of the public to honour the memory of the victims and celebrate their contributions to national service.