President John Dramani Mahama has paid tribute to the late former Defence Minister, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, describing him as a close friend, younger brother, loyalist and trusted adviser.
President Mahama made the remarks at a ceremony to unveil a memorial in honour of the late minister, who died while serving as Minister for Defence.
The President said the memorial was not simply a monument but a lasting reminder of the values that defined Omane Boamah’s life, including service, integrity, patriotism and sacrifice.
He said the late Defence Minister served Ghana with diligence, humility and an unwavering commitment to the security and stability of the country.
According to President Mahama, Omane Boamah made significant contributions to strengthening the Ghana Armed Forces and advancing democratic governance, ensuring that his work would remain an important part of Ghana’s national story.
President Mahama said the commemoration was particularly personal to him because of his close relationship with the late minister.
“He was a friend, a younger brother, a loyalist and a close advisor. His loyalty and love for me was undoubted,” he said.
He added that Omane Boamah stood by him during major moments of his political career, describing him as “a great human being” whose kind was difficult to find.
The President expressed gratitude to the Ghana Armed Forces for honouring the former Defence Minister and preserving his memory through the memorial.
He noted that Omane Boamah holds a unique place in Ghana’s history as the only Defence Minister on record to have died while in active service.
President Mahama also used the occasion to express appreciation to Burkina Faso President Captain Ibrahim Traoré for sending a special envoy to represent him at the ceremony.
The envoy, Burkina Faso’s Minister for Warfare and Patriotic Defence, General Celestine Sempore, attended the event on behalf of President Traoré.
President Mahama said the gesture demonstrated the solidarity and friendship between Ghana and Burkina Faso at a time of grief.
On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, the President extended his deepest sympathies to Omane Boamah’s family, friends and colleagues with whom he served.
He said they should draw comfort from the knowledge that the late minister’s service to Ghana would never be forgotten.
President Mahama concluded by praying for the continued peaceful rest of Omane Boamah’s soul and for God’s blessings upon Ghana.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI