Residents of Kwahu Obomeng in the Eastern Region are in deep shock and mourning following the sudden passing of Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister for Defence who hails from the area.

The news of his death has left the community devastated, as many remember him not just as a high-ranking government official but as a son of the land who remained close to the people.

“When we heard that our father Omane Boamah had passed away, in fact, everybody was sad,” a resident told JoyNews. “It came to us as a shock because if we look at how he conducts himself and does his things, the residents of Obomeng have lost a great person.”

Residents described Dr Boamah as approachable, kind, and supportive of local development. Many recalled how he would regularly return to the community to engage directly with the people.

“When he comes to the community, we meet with him one-on-one and chat with him,” another resident shared. “So we were hopeful that whatever happens, he could help the Obomeng township.”

His work with the youth stood out most to the community, with several expressing heartbreak over his sudden passing.

“He was someone who worked with the youth, so when we heard that he has passed away this afternoon, before God and man, we are very sad. Obomeng township has really lost a great person.”

A woman from Obomeng expressed the deep sorrow felt across the town following the death of Dr Omane Boamah.

“The news that we heard has thrown the entire community of Obomeng into a state of shock and sorrow. It’s very sad. We never thought that we would hear something like this this evening,” she said.

She described the late Defence Minister as a generous and humble man who remained close to the people, especially the youth and the elderly.

“Obomeng residents were thrilled because of how generous Dr Omane Boamah was and how he conducted himself. The youth of this town would have gotten jobs because of him, but, sadly, he’s gone,” she said.

“When he comes to the community, he’s free with everyone, especially the elderly. After the elections, we heard he would come and create employment for the youth of this town but sadly, we didn’t hear good news.”

“It’s very sad. The whole community is silent because a great man has fallen. We are very sad.”