The political divide momentarily closed on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as the state gathered in Koforidua to bid a final, solemn farewell to the late Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah.

Dr Omane Boamah, who was also the Director of Elections and Information Technology of the NDC, died on August 6, 2025, in a tragic military helicopter crash.

The accident involved a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9EH helicopter, with tail number GHF 631, and claimed the lives of all eight people on board.

The crash also claimed the lives of other prominent personalities, including Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology; Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice-Chair; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

A state burial was held for the departed souls, with the final funeral rites of Dr Omane Boamah taking place today.

The event, held at the Jackson Park, saw a convergence of high-level government officials, party stalwarts, and political opponents honouring the remarkable life of the distinguished statesman.

Leading the government delegation was First Lady Mrs. Lordina Mahama, signifying the national importance of the loss.

She was joined by a roster of the nation’s top political leadership, demonstrating the wide-reaching influence of the former minister.

A High-Powered Farewell

The delegation that accompanied the First Lady underscored the government's tribute to Dr. Omane Boamah’s service. Key figures included:

• Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff.
• Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader.
• Dr. Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance.

They were joined by current and former ministers and appointees such as the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, and Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith.

The host team included the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, and the NDC’s Regional Chairman, Mark Oliver Kevor.

The solemn ceremony was characterised by deep reflection, celebrating a life marked by humility, dedication, and service, which was tragically cut short on August 6, 2025.

The profound respect for Dr. Omane Boamah transcended party lines.

Tributes highlighted his commitment to national development, from his early days in medicine to his critical roles in government.

Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Council of Elders, described the deceased in glowing terms.

Further tributes were offered by Mr. Samson Asaki Awingobit, the National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC), and the NDC’s Eastern Regional Organiser, Mr. Hackman Kabore, who shared fond memories of their interactions.

Dr. Omane Boamah's career trajectory was exceptionally diverse. A proud alumnus of Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary in Koforidua, he trained as a medical doctor at the University of Ghana Medical School.

He further specialised with a Master’s degree in Health Policy Planning and Financing from the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

His political tenure included:

• Deputy Minister roles for Environment, Science and Technology (2009–2012) and Youth and Sports (2012–2013).
• Minister for Communications and Presidential Spokesperson (2013–2017), where he championed initiatives like child online protection and the establishment of Ghana’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT).
• Director of Elections and IT for the NDC (2024), playing a key role in the 2024 general elections.
• Minister of Defence (January 2025 until his untimely death in August 2025).

Though the ceremony was momentarily disrupted by heavy rains, mourners believe the enduring legacy of the medical doctor, scholar, and politician, who is survived by his wife and three children, remains firmly imprinted on the nation he served.