Rainstorm disrupts Omane Boamah’s funeral in Koforidua [photos]

What was meant to be a solemn and dignified farewell for the late Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital on Saturday was thrown into disarray after a sudden and violent rainstorm brought the funeral ceremony to an abrupt halt moments after it began.

The funeral, organised by the family at Jackson Park, had drawn an imposing presence of high-ranking officials of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and top government functionaries.

Among those in attendance was First Lady Lordina Mahama, who represented President John Dramani Mahama, currently out of the country. Also present were the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, the Minister for Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, and several other senior party executives and state officials.

Proceedings had barely settled into motion when light showers began, initially prompting little concern among mourners.

Many in attendance appeared relaxed, believing the rain would soon pass.

However, within minutes, the weather deteriorated sharply.

The drizzle gave way to a fierce rainstorm, accompanied by powerful winds that swept across the park.

As conditions worsened, panic set in. Government officials and dignitaries were forced to abandon their seats and run for cover, many retreating into the convoy of V8 vehicles parked nearby. 

Other mourners sought shelter under tents and canopies, but these offered little protection as the wind intensified. Several canopies were violently ripped from their frames and hurled across the venue, scattering chairs and equipment.

Some of the structures reportedly collapsed onto parked vehicles, causing further confusion and damage.

Security officials and organisers quickly moved to control the situation, but the strength of the storm made it impossible to continue.

Within a short time, the venue was virtually deserted as dignitaries fled for safety.

Many of the government officials reportedly regrouped at the Regional Minister’s residence, while others returned to their private homes.

The ceremony was effectively brought to an abrupt end, failing to progress beyond its early stages despite a few speeches having been delivered before the disruption.

The unexpected turn of events sparked widespread public reaction, both at the venue and on social media.

Among some mourners and observers, the dramatic weather was interpreted through a spiritual lens.

Speculation emerged suggesting that the late Dr. Omane Boamah—who died in a tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, alongside seven others—was expressing anger over the circumstances surrounding his death.

Others, however, dismissed such claims, describing the rain instead as a “shower of blessings.”

Meanwhile, members of the political opposition seized on the incident, taking to social media to mock the government and attach superstitious and political interpretations to the disrupted funeral.

Despite the controversy and speculation that followed, the rainstorm ultimately overshadowed what was intended to be a moment of national reflection.

The heavy presence of senior NDC figures underscored Dr. Omane Boamah’s standing within the party and national politics, but the forces of nature ensured that his final farewell in Koforidua would be remembered as one marked by disruption, symbolism and intense public debate.