By Stanley Kwabla Arku
Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has delivered a deeply moving tribute to the late Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, describing him as a “formidable, thoughtful, and strategic” public servant whose untimely death leaves a painful void in the nation’s leadership.
Dr Omane Boamah was among eight high-ranking officials and crew members who perished on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 now dubbed “Ghana’s Black Wednesday” when a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter crashed near Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom District, Ashanti Region. The delegation was en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
Also on board were Hon. Dr Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology; Alhaji Limuna Muniru, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye; and three aircrew members Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Speaking as a colleague and long-time political ally, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu recalled Dr Boamah’s illustrious career in public service, from his early activism as President of the National Union of Ghana Students to his ministerial roles under the late President John Evans Atta Mills and former President John Dramani Mahama. He noted Dr Boamah’s tenure as Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Deputy Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Minister for Communications, and later, Presidential Spokesperson.
Describing the Defence Minister’s death as both “a national tragedy” and “an irony of fate,” Haruna said Dr Boamah had not originally been scheduled to be on the ill-fated flight. “It is regrettable that the Minister of Defence was bereft of the defence he deserved when it mattered most, and the medical doctor was left without emergency care,” he lamented.
The Education Minister praised Dr Boamah’s instrumental role as NDC Director of Elections and IT in securing the party’s 2024 electoral victory, calling him “the midwife” of the win. He emphasised that his colleague’s final mission, to combat illegal small-scale mining, or galamsey, was an act of service that cost him his life.
“Like a gallant warrior, you went on an important mission to help save our nation from the canker of galamsey… but alas, it was a mission of no return,” Haruna said, adding that the late minister’s sacrifice should serve as a catalyst to protect Ghana’s environment.
Beyond politics, Haruna spoke of a personal friendship spanning decades, recalling their shared student activism days and moments when Dr Boamah would “calm” his own spirited temperament. “I have lost a brother and a friend,” he said, before invoking the poignant Binyon Verses in honour of his fallen colleague.
Dr Edward Omane Boamah served as Ghana’s Minister for Defence from January 20, 2025, until his passing on August 6, 2025. He leaves behind his wife, Rita, and children.