The Eastern Region branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has held a solemn vigil at the Koforidua Jackson Park to honour Dr Edward Omane Boamah and seven others who died in the August 6 helicopter crash.

The event, held on the night of Wednesday, August 13, brought together NDC members, residents of Koforidua, and members of the clergy from the area.

Former NDC National Chairman and Policy Advisor at the Office of the Vice President, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, spoke about Dr Boamah’s instrumental role in strengthening the party’s presence within the medical community.

“And I remember very well the first time we were able to make inroads at the University of Ghana Medical School at Kole Bu. It was through the instrumentality of Dr Omane Boamah that we managed to establish the presence of the NDC at the University of Ghana Medical School in Korle Bu.

"And we can assure them, we won’t allow death to break us down. It will strengthen us to be on our feet, to continue on the reset agenda and ensure that Ghana is reset again for the benefit of everybody,” he said.

Eastern Regional Minister, Madam Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, also paid tribute, praising Dr Boamah’s leadership and his fight against illegal mining.

“We pay tribute to Dr Omane Boamah, a stalwart leader whose dedication to combating illegal mining left an indelible mark on our nation. As a Defence Minister, he championed a holistic approach to tackle galamsey, emphasising community engagement,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua, Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, used the occasion to caution religious leaders against making unfounded public statements about the tragedy. After signing the book of condolence for Dr Boamah, the Bishop stressed the need for restraint and sensitivity.

“This is where we have to be very, very cautious. We who are men and women of God, religious leaders, have to be very careful, especially in situations like this. Don’t let us capitalise on it and come out with all kinds of unfounded and so-called prophetic messages.

Let us be very careful. Let’s pray hard. Even if you think that, yes, God has revealed something to you, let us be circumspect about it. How do we come out to say something? We should not forget the families are there, the wives, the children, the immediate family members and loved ones.

What are we churning out in the name of prophecy when maybe it is not even true? So I just want to sound this to all my religious leaders: let us be very, very careful,” he said.