The Ministry of Defence has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, describing his death as a devastating blow to the nation and a loss of true leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry’s management team at the state funeral on Saturday, August 9, Colonel Ernestina Assan lamented that the late minister’s plans for the country had been “shattered” by his untimely passing.
“What a great shock, death laid its icy hands on you. Your plans for the country have all been shattered,” she said.
Colonel Ernestina praised Dr. Boamah as the embodiment of genuine leadership—kind, humble, and ever-smiling. She highlighted his unique ability to make everyone feel valued and heard, and his deep respect for civil servants, which stood out in a ministry often dominated by military structures. “His dedication to uplifting their voices showcased his unwavering commitment to fairness and inclusivity,” she added.
The Defence Ministry described the late minister as compassionate, hardworking, and always ready to serve, even in his final moments. “His legacy of empathy, humility, and selfless devotion leaves an indelible mark on all who knew him. Though his passing is a profound loss, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched,” Colonel Ernestina said.
Dr. Boamah was among eight people who died in a military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6. Also on board were the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Tamale Central MP, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC.
The crew members—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also perished in the crash. Reports indicated that the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter lost radar contact while en route to Obuasi.
