–BY Daniel Bampoe
The Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, over the weekend led a delegation to Ouagadougou on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama to participate in a solemn and historic ceremony commemorating the life and legacy of Captain Thomas Sankara and his 12 comrades, who were assassinated in 1987 putch.
The occasion marked the official inauguration of the Thomas Sankara Memorial Park, a powerful symbol of resistance and remembrance built on the very grounds where the late revolutionary leader was killed. Featuring a towering statue of Sankara, the memorial serves as both a tribute to Burkina Faso’s fallen heroes and a call to action for continued resistance against neocolonialism and terrorism.
Representing the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, Dr. Omane Boamah praised the resilience and revolutionary spirit of the Burkinabè people, reaffirming Ghana’s solidarity with its northern neighbour in the shared struggle for African liberation and unity.
A Tribute to Sankara and a Nod to Rawlings
The Burkinabè government emphasized that Sankara and his comrades remain “fallen but forever alive” in the hearts of their people.
The memorial is envisioned not only as a historical site but also as a place for reflection and the renewal of revolutionary ideals.
In a remarkable show of pan-African solidarity, the ceremony also celebrated Ghana’s late President Jerry John Rawlings, a close ideological ally of Thomas Sankara. In recognition of Rawlings’ influence and support for progressive African leadership, authorities in Ouagadougou announced plans to name a ceremonial street after him later this week.
Dr. Omane Boamah said the honour bestowed on Rawlings was “well-deserved,” and a reminder of the strong historical ties between Ghana and Burkina Faso rooted in shared values of justice, self-reliance, and anti-imperialism.
The Defence Minister acknowledged their contributions and described their engagements in Ouagadougou as “wonderful and productive,” especially at a time when regional cooperation on security and development is more critical than ever.
Strengthening Regional Ties
The ceremony also underscored the broader effort by West African states to unite against growing threats of terrorism and instability in the Sahel region.
With the presence of Ghanaian officials and military representatives, the event doubled as a platform for reinforcing bilateral defence and security collaboration between Accra and Ouagadougou.
Dr. Omane Boamah expressed gratitude to the Burkinabè government and specifically to his counterpart, Brigadier General Celestin Simpore, Burkina Faso’s Minister for Defence, for the warm hospitality and shared vision for regional peace and resilience.
He was accompanied by some top government officials.
