By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho, Aug 10, GNA – Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has paid a glowing tribute to Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and seven others who died in the August 6 military helicopter crash.
He described them as “courageous patriots who will eternally be celebrated locally and internationally.”
In a heartfelt eulogy, Mr Ablakwa said no words could capture the grief he was feeling. “Shattered, devastated, speechless, shaken, traumatized, heartbroken, horrified, depressed, petrified all these words fail to do justice to my current tribulation,” he told mourners.
The August 6 martyrs are Dr Boamah, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane Twum Ampadu and Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah.
“They did not deserve to depart this world in such unspeakable circumstances,” Mr Ablakwa lamented, noting that tributes had poured in from world leaders and international organisations, all of whom recognised the fallen heroes’ service to Ghana.
Dedicating his tribute especially to Dr Boamah, the Foreign Minister recalled meeting him 23 years ago as a respected student activist and former NUGS President inspired by revolutionary leader Ernesto Che Guevara. “Like Che, Omane believed revolutions heal better than medicine, and he died on the frontlines of active service,” Mr Ablakwa said.
He credited Dr Boamah with preserving GETFund allocations through his famous student-led agitations, influencing key education policies such as the “No Fees Stress” initiative and free sanitary pads programme.
“His impact as NUGS President, strategist, and advisor was immeasurable,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
Their political partnership deepened in the Committee for Joint Action (CJA), where they worked alongside national figures including the late President John Evans Atta Mills.
Mr Ablakwa recalled Dr Boamah’s resilience during CJA demonstrations despite police brutality and even a dust-stirring helicopter incident in 2008.
“Omane survived the 2008 helicopters; he didn’t survive the 2025 helicopter,” he remarked.
He also praised Dr Boamah’s decision to join the National Democratic Congress party out of conviction rather than political expediency, having been born into a New Patriotic Party family.
His loyalty, Mr Ablakwa said, earned him ministerial appointments and leadership roles that contributed to the party’s electoral successes.
Beyond politics, the late Minister was hailed as the architect of the Free Primary Healthcare and Mahama Cares programmes.
“He was an exceptional father who made considerable time for his dear wife, Rita, and their children, Akua, Ama and Yaw,” Mr Ablakwa said, noting that his commitment to family was exemplary.
Before his passing, Dr Boamah was working on two books, one about the late President Mills and another on his political journey with President Mahama.
Mr Ablakwa appealed for their posthumous publication as a lasting honour to his memory.
“This is not how we planned it, bro, but I know God is preserving your soul in a much better place,” Mr Ablakwa concluded emotionally.
He called on Ghanaians to ensure the deaths of the eight martyrs “would not be in vain” by supporting President Mahama’s environmental justice agenda, for which they made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Rest well, all you martyrs of August 6. Ghana and the world shall never ever forget your sacrifice,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Lydia Kukua Asamoah