President John Dramani Mahama has paid a deeply emotional tribute to the late Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, describing the former Defence Minister as a devoted patriot whose life was defined by selfless service to Ghana.
President Mahama said the monument erected in honour of Dr Omane Boamah goes beyond stone and inscriptions, describing it as a lasting testament to the life, sacrifice and contributions of a man who dedicated himself to the service of the nation.
In a tribute to the late former Defence Minister, President Mahama described Dr Omane Boamah as a “true friend, a younger brother, a loyalist and a close advisor”, whose loyalty and commitment remained unwavering throughout his political journey.
According to the President, Dr Omane Boamah stood firmly by his side during several momentous occasions in his political career, offering him support with loyalty, humility and genuine affection.
“More than stone and inscriptions, the monument honouring Dr Edward Omane Boamah stands as a lasting testament to a devoted patriot who spent his life in selfless service to Ghana,” President Mahama said.
He noted that Dr Omane Boamah’s contribution to Ghana extended beyond his political responsibilities, particularly during his tenure as Minister of Defence, where he played an important role in efforts to strengthen the Ghana Armed Forces and promote democratic governance.
President Mahama further described the late minister’s death while in active service as an extraordinary national loss, noting that he remains the only Defence Minister on record to have died while serving in office.
He said the circumstances surrounding Dr Omane Boamah’s death had made his legacy even more significant and called for his contributions to the country to be remembered and cherished by generations to come.
The President expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces for honouring the late minister with the monument, describing the gesture as a fitting recognition of his service and sacrifice.
He said the monument would serve not only as a physical reminder of Dr Omane Boamah’s contribution to Ghana but also as an inspiration to present and future generations of public servants to place national interest above personal considerations.
President Mahama’s tribute reflected the close personal and political relationship that existed between the two men, with the President recalling Dr Omane Boamah’s loyalty and support throughout his political career.
He said the late minister’s humility, dedication and commitment to public service had earned him a special place in Ghana’s national history.
As the nation continues to remember Dr Omane Boamah, President Mahama said his legacy would remain firmly embedded in the country’s democratic journey and the development of its defence institutions.
“Rest in perfect peace, my brother,” President Mahama said, bringing an emotional tribute to a man he described not merely as a colleague and public servant, but as a trusted friend, younger brother and confidant.
