A Nation Mourns a Hero
On Tuesday, August 6, 2025, Ghana was struck by an unimaginable tragedy when a military helicopter crashed during an official mission, claiming the lives of eight patriotic citizens, including two Cabinet Ministers.
Among them was Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah — a distinguished public servant, accomplished medical doctor, and statesman.
Today, Friday, August 15, 2025, Ghana bids a solemn and final farewell in a state funeral held in honour of the six remaining victims of that devastating incident. Their memory will live on in the hearts of a grateful nation.
A Life of Purpose: Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah was a prominent figure in Ghana’s political landscape and a leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He was a medical doctor, health policy and financing analyst, and a revered public servant whose life was marked by service, intellect, and devotion to country.
At the time of his death on August 6, 2025, he was serving as Minister for Defence under President John Dramani Mahama’s second administration, a role he held for seven months with distinction and integrity.
He was also the first person to hold the combined position of Director of Elections and IT for the NDC in 2024. He was the architect behind key party policies in the health sector, including the “MahamaCares” initiative, and a strategic thinker behind the scenes during the NDC’s opposition years.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Omane Boamah was born on December 26, 1975, in Nkawkaw, Eastern Region, to the late Mr. Edward Kwame Omane and Madam Leticia Asante. He hailed from Koforidua Effiduase.
He was married to Rita Abena Adubea Offei and was a proud father of three children.
Educational Journey
Basic Education: Koforidua Presby B School and Nana Kwaku Boateng Experimental School
Secondary Education: Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary, Koforidua (1989)
Medical Training: University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS), graduated as a medical doctor in 2006
Postgraduate Studies: Master’s in Health Policy Planning and Financing from the London School of Economics (LSE) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (2018)
Leadership and Political Career
Dr. Omane Boamah’s leadership journey began in his youth:
President, National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS)
President, Junior Doctors’ Association (2006)
Activist, Committee for Joint Action (CJA)
Member, Free Tsatsu Movement
Key Government Roles
Deputy Minister, Environment, Science & Technology (2009–2012)
Co-implemented the Mathematics, Science and Technology Scholarship Scheme (MASTESS) for 41,000 students
Led the Free Laptops Initiative for students and teachers
Chaired investigative committees on major environmental incidents (Newmont 2010, Kosmos 2011)
Launched a national tree-planting campaign
Deputy Minister, Youth and Sports (2012–2013)
Coordinated Ghana’s participation in AFCON 2013
Minister for Communications & Presidential Spokesperson (2013–2017)
Championed Child Online Protection
Rolled out the 4G LTE Network (GOTA) for national security communications
Advocated digital development and cybersecurity initiatives
Minister for Defence (2025)
Appointed in January 2025, Dr. Omane Boamah received unanimous approval from Parliament. In office:
Exposed GH¢3.79 billion in hidden defence debts
Advocated for regional equity in military recruitment
Planned recruitment of 12,000 new soldiers
Secured a €50 million EU-financed security support package
Led a successful anti-Galamsey campaign, reclaiming protected forests
Served as:
Member, National Security Council
Member, Ghana Armed Forces Council
Chairman, Governing Board, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC)
Member, Ministerial Advisory Board, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Publications and Intellectual Legacy
GETFund: A NUGS President’s Account (2004) – Advocacy for educational funding
Professor John Evans Atta Mills: A Peaceful Man in An African Democracy (forthcoming, posthumous)
Accounting to the People: Changing Lives, Transforming Ghana – Co-authored on achievements of Mahama’s government (2013–2015)
Co-editor of The Outreach – a WHO Ghana-backed student newsletter on preventive health
Final Mission and Legacy
On August 6, 2025, while en route to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining and responsible community mining event, Dr. Omane Boamah died in a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crash near Adansi Akrofuom.
He is remembered as a versatile statesman — a physician, devout Catholic, policymaker, environmentalist, strategist, and public servant. His legacy lives on in the lives he impacted, the reforms he championed, and the example he set in leadership and humility.
Tribute to a Patriot
“He encompassed all that a man should be: a loving husband, a caring father, a true patriot, a selfless comrade, a loyal brother, and a trusted friend.”
He was visionary, forthright, generous, honest, and diligent — a mentor to many, and a leader whose name will echo in Ghana’s history.
Rest in Peace, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah
Affectionately called Kofi B
Your golden legacy will never fade. Rest well in the bosom of the Lord.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
