BY Daniel Bampoe
The family of the late Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, former Minister for Defence, has appealed to the National Democratic Congress Government, NDC-led by President John Dramani Mahama to allocate special recruitment slots in the security services for qualified relatives of the eight state officials who tragically lost their lives in the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash.
The call comes as a response to what the family perceives as the NDC overlooking Dr. Omane Boamah’s contributions and legacy.
According to the family, providing such opportunities would be a tangible recognition of the dedication, service, and ultimate sacrifice of the late minister and his colleagues.
On that fateful morning in August 6, a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter carrying Dr. Omane Boamah and five other senior officials and three crew en route to an anti-galamsey engagement in the Ashanti Region crashed into a forested mountainside.
All eight occupants perished on impact. Dr. Omane Boamah, who had been serving as Minister for Defence since February 1, 2025, had previously held key positions including Minister for Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, and later, Minister for Defence.
Speaking to journalists, Omane Paul, uncle of the late minister, described Dr. Boamah as the “hope, icon, provider, and breadwinner” of the family, noting his support for numerous relatives and unemployed youth in his constituency.
“Our humble appeal is for the government to consider allocating some recruitment slots in the security services—or any government agency—to the families of the eight statesmen who died in that tragic crash. This will show that the state values the sacrifices of its servants,” he said.
The family further urged the government to establish a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) facility in Effiduase, Koforidua, to commemorate Dr. Boamah’s legacy as a physician, scientist, and committed public servant.
Dr. Omane Boamah’s legacy was marked by empathy and leadership.
On the morning of the crash, he reportedly made a split-second decision that saved the lives of his bodyguard and a Ministry of Defence cameraman by instructing them to stay behind, demonstrating his selflessness even in his final moments.
Colleagues remember him as a leader who bridged military and civilian divides, prioritizing welfare, accountability, and mentorship.
His sudden death plunged the nation into mourning, with tributes flowing from political leaders, military officers, and ordinary citizens.
At military installations such as the Ghana Military Academy and Burma Camp, officers recounted Dr. Boamah’s accessibility and encouragement, noting that he consistently emphasized that “leadership is about people, not power.”
The family believes that honoring Dr. Omane Boamah and the other seven fallen officials through state-supported initiatives will not only preserve their memory but also promote patriotism and reassure public servants that the nation recognizes the risks and sacrifices inherent in their service.
