The late Dr Edward Omane Boamah was Defence Minister
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has described the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, as a man whose devotion to Ghana was unmatched and only surpassed by his deep love for his family.
Delivering an emotional family tribute to the late minister at the Evening of Reflections and Memorials held on Saturday at the Forecourt of the State House, Sam George recalled how Omane Boamah constantly reminded him to prioritise family above the demands of public service.
“Omane’s love for our country was only surpassed by his deep love for Rita, his dear wife, and Akua, Ama, and Yao, his children and world. They were everything to him,” Sam George said.
He shared intimate memories of conversations in which Dr Omane Boamah would ask about his wife Vera and their children, urging him to spend more time with them.
“There’s no better home teacher for the kids than you and Vera,” he would say, often checking on the children’s academic performance.
The MP fondly recalled two dinners they shared this past May with friends, where they spoke about life and the future. “How could you have abandoned us, Kofi? This was not the script nor the plan,” he said, his voice heavy with grief.
Sam George described Dr Omane Boamah’s legacy as one of “selfless living,” etched in the many lives he touched. He thanked the late minister for proofreading his speeches, guiding him through his first Cabinet memo, and preparing him for countless TV appearances. “Thank you for being my compass and guiding light in the mazy haze of politics,” he added.
He ended with a familiar phrase from their friendship: “Phone rings. Activate all body cameras. Thank you.”
Dr Omane Boamah was one of eight people who died in the August 6 military helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.
The Evening of Reflections formed part of the three days of national mourning declared by President John Dramani Mahama in honour of the victims. Books of condolence will be open at key institutions from August 10 to 14, and a state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, at Black Star Square.