Samuel Nartey George speaking at the Evening of Reflections and Memorials
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, delivered a deeply emotional family tribute to the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, during the Evening of Reflections and Memorials held on Saturday at the Forecourt of the State House.
Reading on behalf of the family, Sam George said Omane Boamah’s unwavering love for Ghana was matched only by his devotion to his wife, Rita, and their three children — Akua, Ama, and Yao.
“They were everything to him,” George said. “This ethos he imbibed into me in every single conversation we had. ‘Sam, how are Vera and the kids? Sam, spend more time with the children. Sam, there’s no better home teacher for the kids than you and Vera.’”
He reminisced about their personal bond, recalling two dinners in May with mutual friends where they discussed life and the future.
“How could you have abandoned us, Kofi? This was not the script nor the plan. Our hearts are broken in ways we never imagined, and our spirits are pained beyond words,” he said.
Describing Omane Boamah’s legacy as one of selfless service, he said the late minister’s impact could be seen in the many lives he touched.
“They say you are gone, but you live in all of us… We refuse to let go of the values you not just taught us but lived,” he added.
The Ningo-Prampram MP expressed gratitude for Boamah’s mentorship, recalling how the late minister helped him write his first Cabinet memo, proofread speeches, and prepare for television appearances.
“Thank you for being my compass and guiding light in the mazy haze of politics. Thank you for simply being you, Edward Kofi Omane Boamah,” George concluded, ending with Boamah’s familiar line: “Activate all body cameras.”
The memorial service formed part of the three days of national mourning declared by President John Dramani Mahama in honour of the eight victims of Wednesday’s military helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom, which claimed the lives of senior government officials, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, and other public servants.
The Evening of Reflections and Memorials brought together government officials, military officers, political leaders, bereaved families, and citizens from all walks of life to honour the fallen, offering prayers and tributes for their service and sacrifice.
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, 2025 at Black Star Square.