The late Omane Boamah(L) and the players of the Black Stars
In the wake of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, memories are resurfacing about his lesser-known interventions off the battlefield, including one pivotal moment in Ghanaian football history.
Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, General Manager of Accra Great Olympics, Eric Alagidede, revealed how Dr Boamah played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in saving Ghana’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations campaign from possible disaster as the Deputy Minister of Sports.
According to Alagidede, the Black Stars were in camp in Abu Dhabi preparing for the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa when tensions erupted over unpaid bonuses and appearance fees.
The players, frustrated by what they saw as broken promises, were on the verge of boycotting the tournament altogether.
Asante Kotoko mourns death of late supporters Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Samuel Sarpong
“Ahead of the 2013 AFCON, the Black Stars had camped in Abu Dhabi, but tensions rose over unpaid salaries,” Alagidede recounted. “The players were on the verge of revolt. Omane Boamah flew to the camp, met with the squad, and held frank discussions. After hearing him out, the players accepted his assurances in good faith, and agreed to proceed to South Africa to compete in the tournament,” he recalled.
Dr Boamah’s ability to mediate and de-escalate a volatile situation was emblematic of his leadership style, calm under pressure, yet firm in principle.
On Tuesday, August 6, 2025, that same leadership was lost in a tragic helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.
The military aircraft, which departed Accra at 09:12 GMT, was headed to Obuasi on an anti-illegal mining mission when it went down in the Ashanti Region.
Also among the deceased were the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Vice Chairman of the NDC Samuel Sarpong, and three Air Force personnel: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
FKA/JE
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