Former PNC National Chairman, Bernard Mornah, has shared heartfelt memories of his close relationship with the late Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, following the military helicopter crash that claimed their lives on Wednesday, August 6.
Speaking to JoyNews at the wreath-laying ceremony held in honour of the eight victims, he revealed that he was scheduled to meet Dr Omane Boamah on the very day of the crash.
“I called the Minister for Defence at exactly 6:45 a.m. because we were scheduled to have a meeting,” he said. “My national chairman had told me the minister wanted to meet, but he couldn’t respond. Later, I heard there was a helicopter crash. Then I thought, could he be on that helicopter?”
Unfortunately, the tragic news was confirmed shortly after.
“I woke up to the reality that indeed he was on that helicopter alongside my good friend and brother, Murtala. I was so distraught that I forgot myself.”
Mr Mornah spoke fondly of their days in student politics, describing both men as humble, principled, and committed to public service.
“I contested Omane for the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) presidency. He won, but instead of discarding us, he rallied us to support his leadership. His student leadership served well.”
He added that both Dr Boamah and Dr Murtala later joined him in the Committee for Joint Action (CJA), where they organised public demonstrations and campaigns for national development.
“We’ve been close friends. I’ve worked with them both. These two gentlemen died without being corrupt. They wouldn’t take a dime for personal gain, only for the good of humanity.”
He described their deaths as a heartbreaking national loss and praised their unmatched dedication to the country.
“If there are human saints in public service, I will name Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala. They can be judged among the best we’ve had. John Mahama didn’t just lose appointees, he lost trusted and worthy compatriots.”
Reflecting on the values they embodied, Mr Mornah urged young people, particularly student leaders, to emulate their commitment to service.
“What I can say to Ghanaians is this: dedicate yourself to the good of society. Some of us came from difficult beginnings, just like Dr Murtala. But because of our hardships, we believed that serving the public was the way to go.”
He recalled Dr Murtala’s work with the All-African Students Union, highlighting his integrity and discipline even when entrusted with large funds from leaders like Muammar Gaddafi. “Murtala channelled resources not for himself but for the benefit of the student front. He believed in integrity and Pan-African unity
Mr Mornah also shared that Dr Murtala had been scheduled to meet his son the day after the crash to discuss a presentation on plastic waste and STEM education.
“They were ready to meet him, but he didn’t show up. Possibly, if Dr Omane had picked up my call yesterday, knowing our bond, he may have asked me to join him on the flight, and I would have gone. But God decided.”
He ended with emotional reflections on their personal faith and character.
“Dr Murtala was deeply religious. He believed in his Quran. Dr Omane Boamah was a devout Catholic who always insisted we pray whenever we met. These were good men.”
“How did God decide to choose them? What are we supposed to learn from this?”.
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