At a solemn state funeral at the Black Star Square in Accra on Friday, August 15, 2025, Mrs. Abena Rita Boamah, widow of the late Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, delivered a moving tribute, describing her husband as “nothing short of a wonderful father.”
Recalling their unexpected first meeting, Mrs. Boamah shared how their relationship blossomed through long walks, shared adventures, and a deep connection that evolved into marriage and family life.
She noted that even with his demanding career as a medical doctor and later as a politician, Dr. Boamah made time each morning to bathe and dress their children, monitor their studies, and create moments of play and joy.
“You were the definition of a genuine person and a true family man,” she said, adding that from the very beginning she knew he would be the perfect father.
In an emotional moment, Mrs. Boamah revealed that her husband often asked what she would do if he was no longer around. “I never answered until today,” she said softly.
“I will, with God’s help, take care of Mommy and the three kids. Knowing who you are, I believe you’ll be looking down on us, guiding us from the heavens.”
She closed her tribute by expressing deep gratitude for his love and devotion to her, their children, her family, and all who knew him. “I will be with you until we meet again. Love always, from your one and only, Abena Rita,” she concluded.
Dr. Omane Boamah was among eight people who lost their lives in the August 6 military helicopter crash, an incident that has drawn nationwide mourning.
Ursula Wematu Asaghedewe, the widow of the late Squadron Leader Peter Baafami Anala, delivered a moving tribute at the state burial held in Accra today, honouring the eight fallen ministers, officials, and soldiers who perished in a tragic national incident.
In her heartfelt address, Ursula shared a deeply personal story about the days leading up to her husband’s final return to duty in Ghana. Just two months ago, the couple welcomed their first child, Winly Winsah Anala — a joyous moment that Ursula said had given them renewed hope and dreams for the future.
“Peter held my hand in the delivery room as we welcomed our daughter,” she recounted. “We had so many plans — dreams for our family, and for the life we wanted her to live. We were to christen her in October.”
She revealed that although Peter had intended to stay longer to help them settle into their new life as parents, his sense of duty and love for his country called him back. “I expected you to stay at least a month,” she said. “But for the love of your country, you had to leave. You spent just one week with us.”
According to Ursula, Peter delayed his return by an extra week because their newborn had taken ill. “Now I know why she was holding you back. But for your dedication to your work, you made the difficult sacrifice to leave a sick newborn and a mother still healing,” she said tearfully.
Describing her late husband as “an answered prayer,” Ursula praised his hardworking nature and devotion to his family. “He promised I would never lift a finger — and true to his word, he made sure I lacked nothing,” she said.
Members of Peter’s family also spoke during the ceremony, revealing that the late Squadron Leader had been deeply troubled by a disturbing dream shortly before his final mission. The dream had unsettled him so much that he sought spiritual counsel from a Catholic priest.
The state funeral, attended by high-ranking government officials, military personnel, and grieving families, served as a solemn tribute to the dedication and ultimate sacrifice of the eight national heroes.
Squadron Leader Peter Baafami Anala is remembered not only as a gallant officer but as a loving husband, doting father, and man of unwavering faith and duty
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged that the children of the eight officers and personnel who perished in the August 2025 military helicopter crash will be cared for and supported throughout their lives.
Speaking at the state funeral at the Black Star Square in Accra on Friday, the President said the nation’s duty extended beyond mourning to ensuring that the bereaved families especially the children were not left behind.
“What we can do together as a nation,” he declared, “is make sure that the lives of those who remain, specifically the children of our eight brothers, do not become the collateral damage of this tragedy… Let us also leave our comrades today with a promise that their children will not be alone, and that they’ve got us, and we’ll always be there to share.”
President Mahama announced the creation of the Children’s Support Fund for the Victims of the St. August Helicopter Crash, which will provide education from primary school through tertiary or technical training, healthcare including medical insurance, and welfare support such as shelter, clothing, and essential living expenses.
Stanbic Bank has already made an initial contribution of GH₵500,000, with government set to make an immediate payment. The President promised that the fund would be sustained for the long term, with annual public reporting, and opened to contributions from citizens, corporate bodies, and international partners.
Drawing on Ghana’s tradition of collective responsibility, he likened the initiative to the compassion once shown by the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who paid for surgery for a physically disabled nine-year-old boy named Seto and even wrote him a poem to ease his fears. The President quoted the poem’s message—“You’re not alone. You’ve got me… always there to share”—as the spirit that would guide the fund.
In addition to the support fund, the President announced posthumous promotions for three of the military victims: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manin Twum Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah to Flight Sergeant. He noted that these were not mere symbolic gestures, but marks of respect that would also reflect in benefits to their families.
He also confirmed that the civilian victims would be honoured at the next National Honours Ceremony.
Expressing gratitude to the Ghana Armed Forces, emergency services, religious and traditional leaders, and the international community for their solidarity, President Mahama prayed for healing and unity in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“You will always be in our hearts. You will always be remembered. May God continue to bless our homeland Ghana, and make our nation great and strong,” he said.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested a notorious serial robber believed to be behind a string of motorbike thefts across Techiman, Sunyani, Bole, and Damongo.
The suspect, identified as Awudu Razak, was apprehended following a targeted operation by law enforcement officers in the Bono and Savannah Regions.
A search conducted on Awudu Razak and the motorbike he was riding led to the discovery of a locally manufactured pistol, three live cartridges, two spanners, a pair of pliers, a pair of hand gloves, scissors and a black polythene bag perforated for use as a face mask.
Tools retrieved from the suspected robbers
During interrogation, Awudu Razak confessed to stealing the Apsonic motorbike in his possession and admitted to being involved in several motorbike robberies across the aforementioned towns.
His confession enabled the police to locate and arrest three of his alleged accomplices – Baba Issah, also known as Container Money, Abdul Rauf, alias Gye Nyame and Sadick Asamoah.
The operation led officers to multiple hideouts where a total of 18 stolen motorcycles were recovered.
According to a highly placed source at the Police Headquarters, who spoke to The Chronicle, the arrest forms part of a broader ongoing security operation aimed at eliminating criminal elements that have plagued these communities.
“These are not just routine arrests,” the source revealed.
“Our men have launched full-scale mopping-up operations, actively sieging the hideouts of known criminals. We’re taking the fight directly to them.”
The police’s proactive approach has reportedly led to multiple successful encounters with robbers, yielding critical evidence and recovering stolen items.
The operations, described as both “meticulous and thorough,” have also helped stabilize affected areas and restore a sense of security.
On Monday, August 11, 2025 acting on a tip-off, police in Techiman intercepted another stolen motorbike, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-led efforts.
The police have since urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to consolidate the gains made.
Communities across the affected regions have expressed gratitude to the Ghana Police Service for their bravery and professionalism in confronting the robbery menace.
As investigations continue, authorities say more arrests are expected and the recovered motorcycles will be processed for return to their rightful owners.
Former President Akufo-Addo. Picture by Eric Owiredu
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has lauded the late General Manager of The Chronicle, Mr. Kobina Ebo Quansah, as a fearless journalist who dedicated his life to championing press freedom and upholding the principles of truth and integrity.
Nana Akufo-Addo giving his response after being briefed by the family head. Pictures by Eric Owiredu
Speaking when the family of the late media icon, accompanied by staff of The Chronicle, paid a courtesy call on him yesterday, the former President said Mr. Ebo Quansah was “one of the most avid writers” he had known in Ghana’s media space.
Nana Akufo-Addo (m) in a group photograph with Ebo Quansah’s family and The Chronicle delegation
The delegation was at the former President’s office to officially invite him to the funeral of the late Kobina Ebo Quansah, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the Ekumfi Ekrawfo Community Park, in the Central Region.
Nana Akufo-Addo exchanging pleasantries with The Chronicle Editor
According to Nana Akufo-Addo, Mr. Ebo Quansah never shied away from holding leaders accountable, regardless of political affiliation, and his editorial work consistently promoted responsible journalism and democratic values.
“He was fearless, principled and deeply dedicated to the advancement of our democracy through an independent press,” he remarked.
Former President Akufo-Addo in a handshake with a family member of the late Ebo Quansah
Mr. Ebo Quansah, who passed away on June 26, 2025 is remembered for his sharp editorial commentary, mentorship of young journalists and a strong voice on public interest issues.
The visit ended with the formal presentation of the funeral invitation, with Nana Akufo-Addo extending his condolences to the bereaved family and The Chronicle team.
A 47-year-old Tipper truck driver, Bawa Abdulai, has been convicted by the Circuit Court 11, in Accra, after pleading guilty to a charge of unlawful control of narcotic drugs. The court, presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, however, deferred sentencing and remanded the convict into police custody.
Bawa Abdulai was arraigned before the court on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 following his arrest at Dawa, in the Greater Accra Region, on August 6, 2025.
He was found in possession of a Tipper truck loaded with 75 fertilizer sacks, containing dried plant materials, suspected to be marijuana.
Charged with unlawful control of narcotic drug, contrary to Section 37(1)(2)(b) of the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), Abdulai pleaded guilty simpliciter to the offence.
According to the prosecution led by DSP Emmanuel Nyamekye, the arrest was effected by personnel of the Critical Incidence of National Interest Investigation Team (CINIIT) of the National Security Secretariat.
The operation, led by Mr. Richard Jakpa, was intelligence-driven and targeted the movement of illegal substances through the Dawa area.
The suspect was intercepted around 8 p.m. on the said date, driving a Tipper truck with registration number GN 951-20 which was found loaded with the suspected narcotics.
Upon his arrest, the matter was handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters on August 7, 2025.
During police interrogation, Abdulai revealed in his caution statement that he had been contracted by one “Philip” from Somanya to transport the consignment to Dawa, for a fee of GH¢8,000.
While the accused has admitted to the offence, the court opted to defer sentencing to allow time for the police to complete forensic testing on the dried plant materials to confirm whether they are indeed narcotic substances.
Bawa Abdulai has been remanded into police custody and is expected to reappear before the court on August 28, 2025 for final determination and possible sentencing.
One of the injured victims in the gunfire exchange
A high-tension confrontation broke out on Wednesday morning when the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force came under violent attack during an operation to seize excavators engaged in illegal mining activities at Bonteso area.
According to an official police statement, the incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. during a routine patrol by the task force, which discovered an excavator actively destroying the environment through illegal mining in a pit.
As officers moved to impound the excavator, they were met with fierce resistance from a group of illegal miners, reportedly mobilised and incited by the local assemblyman, Patrick Asare.
The crowd began hurling stones and other objects at the officers while issuing open threats to prevent the removal of the machinery.
Tensions quickly escalated when two individuals were seen firing pump-action guns in the direction of the officers.
During the standoff, two police officers – ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt. Agblekpe Mawuena Yao – sustained injuries to the head, mouth and leg.
The attackers further blocked all exit routes in an attempt to trap the task force within the area. The officers, facing imminent threat, were forced to respond with tactical force to neutralise the situation and secure their safety.
Despite the armed confrontation, the task force successfully arrested four individuals, including the assemblyman of the area.
The arrested suspects have been identified as: Akwesi Amponsah, Osei Vasco, Patrick Asare, assemblyman of the electoral area and Owusu Alexander.
One excavator was seized and safely transported to the Manso Adubia Police Station for custody. A second excavator, however, had to be left at the scene due to the immediate danger posed by the armed crowd.
Two community members also sustained injuries during the altercation. Police confirmed they were taken to a nearby medical facility and are currently receiving treatment.
The police emphasised that no further casualties were recorded on the side of law enforcement and the situation has since been brought under control.
In a statement, the task force described the incident as a clear indication of the increasing hostility and level of coordination among illegal mining operators. Authorities say future operations in the area will be conducted with heightened tactical preparedness and reinforcements.
The four suspects are expected to be transported to Accra for further interrogation and prosecution.
Judge Samuel Bright Acquah of the Circuit Court in Accra has remanded one of two men accused of violently robbing a Yango driver in Teshie, on August 11, 2025.
The second accused was absent from court. The case has been adjourned to August 28, 2025.
Eric Adjetey Adjei, 26, an unemployed resident of Teshie, appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery, contrary to Sections 23(1) and 149 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
He was remanded into police custody.
The second accused, Godwin Abbey, 21, a fisherman also from Teshie, was absent during the hearing. The court was told that the incident occurred around 5 a.m. on August 11, 2025.
The complainant, Samuel Coffie, a Yango driver operating a Daihatsu Move (Reg No. GT 2714-25) was hired by the accused persons to transport them from Teshie Mobile to the Lekma Hospital area.
During the trip, the accused requested to stop at a different location. As the driver parked, Adjei, seated in the front passenger seat allegedly snatched a Samsung REMI A1 phone valued at GH¢1,500 and GH¢15,000 in cash from the driver’s hand.
A struggle followed, resulting in the vehicle crashing into a gutter.
Both suspects reportedly fled the scene but were captured by area residents and nearly lynched before being rescued by police.
They were treated at a hospital and later discharged. The complainant sustained bruises and was issued a medical form for treatment.
Investigators say the accused persons admitted to the offences in their respective caution statements. Adjei has since been formally charged. Abbey is yet to appear before the court.
The case will resume on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
A section of the participants and dignitaries who attended the workshop
Transparency International Ghana (TI-G), formerly Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), in partnership with the Lands Commission, has held a multi-stakeholder advocacy workshop on Land Governance in Ghana.
The workshop, under the theme: “Strengthening Inclusive Land Governance in Ghana”, sought to bring together diverse stakeholders, including government representative, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, women and youth groups and private sector actors to engage in dialogue and develop inclusive, accountable and equitable approaches to land governance in Ghana.
The workshop was also to build on ongoing efforts to promote transparency, secure tenure and participatory decision-making at all levels.
The objective was to assess the effectiveness of the current customary and statutory land governance frameworks in ensuring equitable access and tenure security and to identify and discuss barriers to land access and participation faced by women and youth, other marginalised groups and also to draft a joint communiqué to be validated by participants.
The objective was also to inform ongoing land policy reforms, dialogues and advocacy efforts at national and subnational levels.
Peter Osei Owusu interacting with the media
Mr. Michael H. Okai, Coordinator, Land and Corruption in Africa (LCA) Project of TI-G disclosed that his outfit is implementing a project on land and corruption not only in Ghana but other seven African countries (Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Madagascar, South Africa, Uganda and Ethiopia).
Its (LCA’s) main objective is to eradicate corruption in land administration and services, with support from Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ), German for Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
He explained that land administration goes beyond the government sector, noting that about 80 percent of land in Ghana is held under customary tenure arrangements by traditional leaders.
The Coordinator disclosed that as part of the project, his outfit did a baseline of issues around lands in Ghana and discovered that there are issues of multi-sale of land, women and youth inaccessibility to land as a right and the citizenry unawareness of the passage of the Land Act 1036 in 2020. He also disclosed the non-involvement of stakeholders (chiefs and citizenry) in policy making and subsequently developed “interventions”.
He also disclosed that the LCA entails awareness on land, vis-a-vis corruption and Land Act, 2020 (1036), noting that if the citizenry is informed about the law, they know their “rights, roles and responsibility”.
He said the project (LCA) has been in existence for four years and revealed that at end of the project, the learnings and challenges from the Ashanti region would be brought to the fore for resolution that will aid in drafting a policy-brief to be channelled to the appropriate quarters.
Mr. Peter Osei Owusu, Ashanti Regional Officer, Lands Commission, disclosed that having worked in six other regions, the Ashanti region’s land system is “different”, due to its traditional setup.
He noted that the Ashanti region has a “centralised traditional authority” when it comes to the administration and management of stool lands, stressing that all lands in Greater Kumasi “must be comfirmed by His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, who has allocated some of the “powers” to few paramouncies such as Ejisu and Juaben, where the chiefs can work under the directions of Otumfuo.
Mr. Peter Osei Owusu noted that in the Greater Accra and Central regions, families own lands with litigation among them, citing Dagbon, in the Northern region, to also having one of the unique land administration and management system, where the Yaa-Naa appoints his sub-chiefs to act on his behalf and all documents are confirmed by him (Yaa-Naa).
The Ashanti Regional Lands Commission Officer also disclosed that where there are disputes and litigations, people are ready to pay to get their lands registered, noting that investors like to go to the regions where there are no or minimal litigations, because investment in agriculture and industrial purposes are based on land.
As recently as last week, the newly created office of the Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations put forth the directive that henceforth, all prophecies meant for the attention of government should be routed to a dedicated WhatsApp number/email address for scrutiny. This, according to the Envoy, is aimed at sifting through for verification and follow up.
This office is not new. I have encountered officials in the past who were assigned specific schedules, for example, Liaison Officer for Islamic Affairs, Liaison for Christian Affairs. These were not announced but they performed the functions without fanfare.
As with everything government, naturally, reactions have poured in from all corners since this office was made public. Some support the directive but many more seem more worried about the messenger.
In the eyes of critics, the Envoy does not possess the spiritual gravitas necessary for the office. So, how dare he put himself up in a position to scrutinize prophecies of ‘Men of God?’ What spiritual pedigree has he to perform the task he is arrogating to himself?
A few have resorted to the 1992 Constitution which directs The Republic to operate as a SECULAR state. Therefore the question that arises is, what business has government to appoint an Envoy for religious affairs in a secular state, and go further to entertain prophecies of whatever nature.
Apostles of secularism insist that if government business becomes dependent on superstition of any kind, instead of being science based, then the Republic is not gearing up for progress and development.
It does not matter much that The Supreme Court of Ghana once dismissed a challenge to uphold this same constitutional order to keep the state a secular one.
In that process, the state was enabled to sink millions of United States dollars into beginning the process of construction of a national cathedral.
A cathedral embodies all the symbolism of superstition, but opposition to it was notable not for it being based on superstition.
Many people’s view of government business does not contemplate the pressure exerted by faith based/spiritual/superstitious partisans on our governments.
However, from experience, the Presidency is inundated with packs of correspondence from everywhere on a regular basis. Many people write to convey messages bordering on the spiritual and/or prophetic. It does not end there. Many have access to the phone numbers of some officials close to the ultimate target, the President.
Our society is still highly superstitious or, if you like, spiritual. If in doubt, just look around your neighborhood, do a count of churches, mosques, shrines, etc that you find around you. How many have appeared in the last few years?
While as a nation we would prefer our governance to be guided more by scientific and rational considerations, the preponderance of the people’s spiritual inclination makes it indispensable to be so guided.
So, here we are, where a rational government of the people must be seen to accommodate the superstitious and faith based majority of the population.
Like it or not, the people are so inclined and a government elected by the same people must be seen to meet the aspirations of the people.
Any wonder the government has formally created this office that centralizes and, also importantly, opens an official avenue for those who have prophecies to share with government. Let’s note also that this same function has been performed by many officials in the past, without the formality of an official title.
Written by Amb. Kwame Tenkorang, Teshie/Nungua
Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle
