Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah (26 December 1974 – 6 August 2025) was a Ghanaian politician, medical doctor, and public servant whose career spanned health, communications, and defence.
His sudden death in the 2025 Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash ended a life marked by national service and reform-minded leadership.
1. Education and early leadership
- Attended Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary in Koforidua.
- Trained as a medical doctor at the University of Ghana Medical School, with further studies at Washington University School of Medicine in the USA.
- Earned a Master’s in Health Policy Planning and Financing from the London School of Economics and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
- Served as President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) and Coordinating Secretary of the Federation of Ghana Medical Students Association (FGMSA).
2. Political career
- Deputy Minister for Environment, Science and Technology (2009–2012), leading investigations into major industrial spills and championing nationwide tree planting against climate change.
- Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports (2012–2013), coordinating Ghana’s participation in AFCON 2013.
- Minister for Communications (2013–2017) under President John Mahama, where he established the National Computer Emergency Response Team and a Child Online Protection Committee.
- Minister of Defence (Feb 2025–Aug 2025), overseeing military affairs until his untimely death.
3. Medical service
- Volunteered with the WHO during Ghana’s 2004 immunization programme.
- Part of the medical rescue team in the 2001 Accra Sports Stadium disaster.
- Returned to medical practice at Afrah International Hospital after the NDC’s 2016 electoral loss.
4. Tragic end
On 6 August 2025, Dr. Omane Boamah was en route to Obuasi for an anti-galamsey operation when his military helicopter crashed in the Adansi District, killing all eight aboard. Victims included:
- Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (Minister for Environment)
- Limuna Mohammed Muniru (Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator)
- Samuel Sarpong (NDC Vice Chairman)
- Samuel Aboagye (former parliamentary candidate)
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala (Pilot)
- Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu (Co-Pilot)
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah (Crew)
