Finance Minister and Acting Defence Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has paid tribute to the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, describing him as a patriotic and selfless public servant who dedicated himself to strengthening Ghana’s defence institutions.
Speaking at the maiden annual public lecture held in honour of Dr Omane Boamah on Tuesday, 4 August, Dr Ato Forson said the late minister’s tenure was marked by efforts to modernise the Ghana Armed Forces and improve the welfare of military personnel.
“He served Ghana with conviction. He strengthened our institutions. He believed in leadership anchored in service and the national interest,” Dr Ato Forson said.
He said Dr Omane Boamah, as Defence Minister, worked towards building “a modern, professional, and capable Ghana Armed Forces” while placing significant emphasis on the welfare of service personnel.
According to him, the annual lecture will serve as an avenue to preserve the late minister’s legacy and ensure that the values that characterised his public service continue to influence future generations.
Dr Ato Forson said the initiative should also inspire young Ghanaians to embrace public service with integrity, patriotism and a commitment to the national interest.
Remembering Omane Boamah
Dr Omane Boamah was among eight people who died in a Ghana Air Force helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
The Z-9EH military helicopter crashed while travelling to the Ashanti Region, killing senior government officials and members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Those who died included the then Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr Samuel Sarpong; and National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Vice Chairman, Samuel Aboagye.
Three Ghana Air Force personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — also died in the crash.
The maiden annual lecture forms part of efforts to commemorate Dr Omane Boamah’s life and public service while providing a platform to reflect on the principles that guided his work.
The event also seeks to keep alive his commitment to institutional strengthening, military professionalism and the welfare of Ghana’s service personnel.
