A bust erected in honour of the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, has come under criticism from members of his family and close friends, who say the artwork bears little resemblance to the man they knew.
The bust was unveiled at a cenotaph in front of the Ministry of Defence in Accra on August 6, 2026, as part of activities marking the first anniversary of Dr Omane Boamah’s death.
However, people close to the former minister have reportedly expressed disappointment with the representation, arguing that the memorial fails to capture his physical likeness.
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The Herald reports that a lifelong friend and former schoolmate of Dr Omane Boamah at Pope John Senior High School has demanded the bust be removed and replaced with a more accurate representation.
“The bust must be removed and redone. It does not depict him. Otherwise, in years to come, it will not serve any purpose because it is not him,” the friend said.
According to the friend, the concerns are shared by several people who knew the late minister, including members of his family.
The friend argued that because the monument is intended to preserve Dr Omane Boamah’s memory for generations, it should accurately reflect his appearance.
The concerns were reportedly noticeable during the unveiling ceremony, with President John Dramani Mahama and Dr Omane Boamah’s mother, Madam Leticia Asante, seen examining the bust.
Questions have also emerged about the identity of the cenotaph’s donor. While there are claims that it was donated to the Government and people of Ghana in honour of Dr Omane Boamah, the donor’s identity has not been publicly disclosed.
The controversy extends beyond the appearance of the bust, with some critics questioning why the cenotaph was dedicated specifically to Dr Omane Boamah when seven other people lost their lives in the same helicopter crash.
The other victims were former Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; NDC National 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.
The eight victims died on August 6, 2025, when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in a forested area in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
They were travelling from Accra to Obuasi to attend the launch of the Government’s Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), an initiative aimed at tackling illegal mining.
Critics have questioned whether a national memorial should have commemorated all eight victims together, particularly after all of them were described as patriots who died in the line of duty.
At the unveiling ceremony, President Mahama paid tribute to Dr Omane Boamah, describing him as “one of a rare kind” and recalling his loyalty, friendship and service throughout his political career.
The President also expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of all eight victims.
He subsequently lit a memorial candle on behalf of the nation in honour of Dr Omane Boamah and the seven other victims.
Vice-President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang lit a candle on behalf of the Armed Forces Council, while Finance Minister and caretaker Defence Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson lit one on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
The ceremony followed a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), to commemorate all eight victims of the crash.
Speaking at the service, President Mahama said the tragedy should serve as a reminder to strengthen institutions, improve safety standards and protect public officials and other personnel who serve the country.
He said the most meaningful tribute to the victims would go beyond physical monuments and involve reforms that improve governance and safeguard those who dedicate their lives to national service.
“The greatest memorial we can build is not one made of stone or bronze. It is built through responsible leadership, improved systems, and a steadfast commitment to protecting those who dedicate their lives to Ghana,” he said.