The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has praised the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, describing him as a fearless activist and political strategist. His career encompassed grassroots mobilization, electoral defense, and national leadership. At a state funeral for eight individuals who perished in a military helicopter crash on August 6, NDC General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey delivered a tribute that highlighted Dr. Boamah’s journey from student activism to high office. The party characterised his life as one marked by “courage, intellect, and unwavering dedication to justice,” noting that his passing “leaves a void not only in the party but also in the fabric of Ghana’s democracy.”
Dr. Boamah’s political journey began at the University of Ghana, where he served as President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS). His activism gained momentum in the early 2000s when he challenged the then-NPP government over withheld GETFund payments. He pursued this issue vigorously alongside then-Minority Leader Alban S.K. Bagbin, earning a reputation for his resilience under political pressure. Dr. Boamah became a prominent member of the Committee for Joint Action (CJA), collaborating with Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Bernard Mornah to lead public campaigns and demonstrations. According to the NDC, the CJA emerged as “a formidable voice for the masses and a nightmare for the government of the day.”
Renowned for his hands-on approach, Dr Boamah personally monitored ballot printing during elections to protect the integrity of the process. His commitment later saw him appointed as the NDC’s Director of Elections, where he helped shape strategy and voter engagement nationwide.
In government, he served as Deputy Minister for Environment, Science and Technology under President John Evans Atta Mills, before becoming Minister for Communication and Presidential Spokesperson under President John Dramani Mahama (2013–2016). His final cabinet role was as Minister for Defence. Dr Boamah was one of eight people killed when the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crashed at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region while en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Community and Cooperative Mining Programme.
The NDC said his passing robs Ghana of “one of the bravest sons of our land,” pledging that his “legacy of service, courage, and justice will inspire generations to come.”
Source: Gertrude Ankah
