It started on an ordinary day, in the most unexpected place — a medical school bus. For Rita Adubei Offei, wife of the late Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, that moment marked the beginning of a love story she would later describe as fate.
“Kofi B! As I affectionately called you, we were destined to be together,” she shared, her voice trembling as she delivered a moving tribute at the state funeral on Friday, August 15, where the nation honored eight fallen patriots.
Though not a medical student herself, Rita happened to board the medical school bus that day — a decision that changed her life forever.
Their love, she said, grew through the simple joys of life, long evening walks and shared meals of kenkey and fish.
“Our night walks from my house to yours, just to buy kenkey and fish, became our thing. I always looked forward to it. It became a cherished ritual, our little tradition.”
It was during those walks and shared meals that she saw in him the makings of a devoted husband and father.
“You reminded me so much of my father, even you noticed it the very first time we met,” she recalled. “From that moment, I knew I had found a partner for life. You were truly God-sent.”
Their love story continued with a proposal that led to a wedding on her birthday, a choice that turned every birthday into a double celebration of love and life.
“We celebrated both every year. I was hoping we would do the same this year too,” she said, a quiet sadness lacing her words.
As a father, Dr. Boamah was nothing short of exceptional.
“You were a wonderful dad,” Rita said. “No matter how busy you were as a doctor or politician, you made time — either bathing the kids in the morning or dressing them up while I bathed them.”
At home, he became the children’s favorite teacher, mastering their syllabus and setting up study timetables — all while ensuring there was still time for fun and adventure.
Throughout their life together, he would often ask her the same question: “Abena Rita, what will you do when I’m not around?”
She never gave him an answer — and even now, she admits, “Till today, I don’t have one.”
But she promised, with God’s help, to stay strong for their three children and care for his mother — a promise made with the quiet confidence that he would be watching over them.
“Kofi B! Thank you for loving me, thank you for loving the children, thank you for loving my family and all who knew you. God be with you till we meet again. Rest in power, my love.”
In that solemn hall, filled with sorrow and pride, her tribute left not a single heart untouched — a final love letter to a man whose life, though cut short, was lived fully.
