Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has described the August 6 military helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and seven others, as “a tragedy of monumental proportions.”
Speaking with visible grief, Mr. Ablakwa said the incident had left him “petrified and traumatised,” adding that the country was facing a moment of profound loss.
“This has been a difficult period for us, devastating, traumatising, depressing. We are all petrified, we are shattered.
“I would like to use this opportunity to extend deepest commiserations to the children, spouses, families, and loved ones. Deepest commiserations to the President, Vice President, the government and the people of Ghana”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Affairs Minister
Hon. Ablakwa described Dr. Omane Boamah not only as a political ally but as a personal brother and confidant. He recalled years of close collaboration, saying the tragedy had shaken the foundations of his faith. “This has never happened in our history. This is a tragedy which is unspeakable” he added.
He lamented the effects of the loss on “our belief in a lot of principles we hold dear” and expressed the Lord to comfort the nation and grant the family members fortitude. The minister revealed he had endured sleepless nights since the incident, describing the psychological toll as “draining” and “difficult to take.”
Hon. Ablakwa also highlighted the late Defence Minister’s contributions to the National Democratic Congress’s health sector policy. He credited Dr. Omane Boamah as the mind behind major pledges in the party’s manifesto, including free primary health care and the MahamaCares programme.
“Many people do not know – He became a strong strategist for President Mahama throughout the opposition period” Hon. Ablakwa said. According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah’s policy ideas were not only embraced by the NDC but also resonated strongly with the Ghanaian public.
A Strategist Remembered
Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), described the late minister as a principled and selfless leader committed to causes larger than himself.
He recalled Dr. Omane Boamah’s decisive role in the 2024 campaign, particularly in countering perceptions that the NDC could not safeguard electoral votes.
“The moment President Mahama appointed Dr. Omane Boamah, I knew this was not going to be business as usual. Omane put together a training manual and trained not less than 160,000 polling agents.
“Today, that theory about NDC not being able to secure votes is erased. Thanks in large part to the leadership of Omane”
Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, CEO of NVI
He further praised the late minister for inspiring doctors to extend their leadership beyond medical practice, proving that physicians could excel in politics and other fields.
Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Director General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), urged Ghanaians to honour Dr. Omane Boamah’s legacy by embracing compassion.
“I think he would want us to reflect on his values, which include being very compassionate, and he cared deeply about suffering people. If we can find a way to magnify that value and be compassionate to the needs of many people in the country, whenever his soul and spirit are, he will smile”
Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Director General of SIGA
The August 6 helicopter crash remains the deadliest air disaster in Ghana’s history involving senior government officials. The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the aircraft had taken off from Accra and was en route to Obuasi when it went off radar and crashed.
In addition to Dr. Omane Boamah, the crash claimed the lives of Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and six others.
President John Dramani Mahama has directed that a state funeral be held for all victims on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square. The ceremony is expected to draw national and international dignitaries in a solemn tribute to the deceased.
As tributes pour in from across the country, the enduring image of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah remains that of a man who combined political strategy, compassion, and national service – qualities that those closest to him say will be difficult to replace.
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