Correspondence from Eastern Region
The family of the late Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the former Minister of Defence who died in a military helicopter crash, has issued a passionate appeal to the government of Ghana, requesting the allocation of special recruitment slots in the national security services for qualified relatives of the deceased officials.
The appeal, put forth as a means of national acknowledgement, seeks to recognise the deep personal sacrifice and public service rendered by Dr Boamah and the seven other statesmen who died in the tragic accident.
On August 6, 2025, a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9 helicopter, transporting officials to an anti-galamsey engagement, crashed into a mountainous forest in the Ashanti Region.
All eight occupants, including Dr Boamah, died instantly.
Acknowledging sacrifice through employment
Speaking to journalists this week, Omane Yaw Acheampong, an uncle of the late minister, detailed the profound impact of Dr Boamah’s death on his extended family, describing him as the “hope, icon, provider, and breadwinner.”
Omane Yaw Acheampong explained that before the tragedy, Dr Boamah had been financially supporting numerous relatives and had assured several unemployed but highly qualified youth within the family of future assistance in securing employment.
“Our humble appeal is for the government to consider allocating some recruitment slots in the security services—or any government agency—to the families of the eight statesmen who died in that tragic crash,” Acheampong stated.
“This gesture will be a clear demonstration that the state values the sacrifices of its servants and intends to care for those they left behind,” he added.
The family believes that such tangible support would significantly promote patriotism and reassure current public servants of the nation’s commitment to honouring those who dedicate their lives to state service.
Call for STEM facility memorial
In addition to the request for employment opportunities, the family further urged the government to establish a dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) training facility in Effiduase, Koforidua.
This facility, they propose, would serve as a permanent memorial to Dr Boamah’s versatile legacy as a committed public servant, physician, and scientist.
Dr Omane Boamah was a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a medical doctor by profession. Throughout his career, he held several key governmental positions, including Minister of Communications and Presidential Spokesperson.
He was subsequently appointed Minister of Defence on February 1, 2025, a role he held until his demise.
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