President John Dramani Mahama unveiled a Cenotaph in memory of the late Honourable Dr. Edward Kofi Omane-Boamah, who served as Minister for Defence between February and August 2025, describing the monument as a lasting tribute to a devoted patriot whose life was dedicated to the service of Ghana.
President Mahama opened his remarks by explaining the deeper significance of the Cenotaph beyond its physical form, framing it as a symbol meant to inspire future generations.
“Today we gather not only to unveil a Cenotaph but to reaffirm our nation’s gratitude to a devoted patriot whose life was dedicated to the service of Ghana. A Cenotaph is more than stone and inscriptions. It is a lasting reminder that while life may end, the values it embodied- service, integrity, patriotism, and sacrifice- must continue to inspire future generations”.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama praised Omane-Boamah’s tenure as Defence Minister, highlighting the humility and dedication he brought to strengthening Ghana’s armed forces and democratic institutions.
“Dr. Omane-Boamah served with diligence, humility, and unwavering commitment to the security and stability of our republic. His contribution to strengthening our armed forces and advancing Ghana’s democratic governance will remain part of our national story”.
President John Dramani Mahama
A Deeply Personal Tribute
President Mahama spoke candidly about his personal relationship with the late Omane-Boamah, describing him as far more than a government colleague.
“For me, this immortalisation of Omane’s memory is deeply personal. He was a friend, a younger brother, a loyalist, and a close advisor. His loyalty and love for me was undoubted. He stood by my side through all momentous occasions of my political career”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He reflected on the rarity of Omane-Boamah’s character, expressing how difficult it is to find people of similar quality. “Omane was a great human being. His kind is difficult to find in our world today,” he said.
President Mahama specifically acknowledged the Ghana Armed Forces for the honour bestowed upon their former minister, noting the historic and singular nature of his death while serving in office.
President Mahama extended thanks to Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, for sending a special envoy to represent him at the ceremony, underscoring the regional significance of the occasion.
Condolences to Family, Friends and Colleagues
President Mahama closed his tribute by extending condolences on behalf of the government and people of Ghana to Omane-Boamah’s family, friends and former colleagues, offering words of comfort rooted in the enduring nature of his service.
“On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, I once again extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and his colleagues with whom he served. May they find comfort in the knowledge that his service to Ghana shall never be forgotten”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He closed the ceremony with a prayer for Omane-Boamah’s eternal rest. “May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace, and may God continue to bless our homeland, Ghana,” he said.
The unveiling of the Cenotaph marks a significant moment within Ghana’s military and political history, formally recognising Omane-Boamah’s distinction as the only Defence Minister on record to have died while serving in that role.
The ceremony, combining official state recognition with deeply personal reflection from President Mahama, reflects the unusual closeness between the two men, extending beyond a standard working relationship within government.
International Solidarity at the Ceremony
The presence of a special envoy from Burkina Faso further underscored the ceremony’s regional significance, with President Traoré’s representation reflecting continued diplomatic solidarity between Ghana and Burkina Faso during a moment of national mourning.
This gesture adds an international dimension to what remained fundamentally a national tribute to a Ghanaian public servant whose life was cut short while in active service to his country.
As the Cenotaph now stands as a permanent tribute to Omane-Boamah’s memory, it joins Ghana’s broader tradition of honouring public servants who died in service to the nation, reinforcing themes President Mahama has consistently emphasised in recent months regarding the sacrifices made by those who serve in Ghana’s security and defence institutions.
The monument stands not only as recognition of Omane-Boamah’s specific contributions but as a broader symbol of the values Mahama described as central to national service, integrity, patriotism and sacrifice.
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