Family members and friends of the late Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah have reportedly called for the replacement of a bust created in his honour, expressing concerns that the monument does not adequately represent the late Defence Minister.
The demand comes as tributes continue to be paid to Dr Omane Boamah, who died in the military helicopter crash of August 6, 2025, alongside seven other Ghanaians while travelling on a national assignment. His death triggered widespread mourning across the country, with political colleagues, relatives, friends and institutions highlighting his contribution to public service.
The bust was intended to serve as a lasting tribute to the former minister and physician. However, people who knew him closely have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the likeness and are calling for a replacement that they believe would more accurately capture his appearance.
For family and friends, the issue goes beyond the physical appearance of the monument. Dr Omane Boamah left behind a personal and public legacy that extended from medicine and politics to his role as a husband, father and friend.
At his state funeral, his widow, Mrs Rita Omane Boamah, remembered him as a devoted family man with a deep commitment to his wife and three children. She recalled how, despite his demanding career as a medical doctor and politician, he remained actively involved in raising their children, helping with their studies and making time for family activities.
His children similarly described him as a father, teacher, motivator and friend. Their tributes portrayed a man who placed considerable importance on family, education, compassion and service to others.
Dr Omane Boamah was serving as Ghana’s Defence Minister when he died. He had previously served as Communications Minister and as a spokesperson to former President John Mahama. His professional background as a medical doctor also formed an important part of his public identity.
His death in the August 6 helicopter crash marked a major loss for Ghana’s public service. The tragedy claimed eight lives and led to a period of national mourning, with government institutions, political parties, diplomatic missions and civil society organisations paying tribute to the victims.
The late minister’s connection to public service was also reflected in his involvement with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, where he served as chairman of the governing board. The institution described his death as a significant loss to Ghana’s peace and security community.
Against this background, the reported call for a replacement of his bust reflects the desire of those close to him to ensure that memorials created in his honour accurately preserve his image and legacy.
Memorials are often intended to provide future generations with a physical reminder of people who made significant contributions to society. For the family and friends of Dr Omane Boamah, ensuring that his likeness is properly represented is therefore an important part of preserving his memory.
As discussions over the bust continue, the focus remains on finding an appropriate representation of a man whose career combined medicine, politics and public service. For those who knew him personally, however, his most enduring legacy may remain the values reflected in the tributes paid to him: dedication to family, compassion, service and commitment to Ghana.
Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah was 49 when he died. His family, colleagues and friends continue to honour his memory following the tragic helicopter crash that brought his public service career to an abrupt end.
Source: Thepressradio.com
