The Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, has expressed grief and disbelief following the tragic death of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
In an emotional interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Dr. Afriyie, who is a cousin of the late minister, revealed he was the only son of his mother—a development he says makes the loss even more painful.
According to him, he cannot fathom how Dr. Boamah left home on Wednesday morning for national duty, unaware it would be his final goodbye.
“You just left the house this morning, and everybody was saying, you know, ‘bye to Daddy,’ thinking that Daddy will come back home,” he said, his voice cracking. “I just don’t know how Rita and the family are taking it. It’s devastating.”
Dr. Afriyie confirmed that Dr. Boamah had three children, adding with sorrow, “He was the only child of his mother. This is just too painful.”
He described Dr. Boamah as a genuine, hard-working man whose death leaves a heavy void not only in his family but also in national service.
“You just can’t say you don’t like him. Kofi is genuine. I’m just shocked. I’m just shocked.”
Recounting one of their recent interactions, the MP revealed that the minister had attended a Defence and Interior Committee sitting in Parliament just last week.
“I didn’t know that would be the last time I would be speaking to my brother,” he noted.
Dr. Afriyie also touched on how closely connected Dr. Boamah was to people across professions, including a senior journalist battling leukemia who had leaned on the late minister for financial support.
“He was more than a politician; he was a friend, a brother.”
Reflecting on the weight of public service, Dr. Afriyie questioned why tragedy should strike those who simply sought to serve their country with integrity.
“What at all will calm the children down? I just don’t. You want to make a good name. He was very promising, very promising. Why should this happen?”
The helicopter crash claimed eight lives, including Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and is being described by government as a national tragedy.
Other victims included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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