Ato Forson pays tribute to Omane Boamah, describes him as selfless and patriotic leader

Finance Minister and Acting Defence Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has paid glowing tribute to the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, describing him as a selfless patriot whose leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on the Ghana Armed Forces.

Speaking at the maiden annual public lecture organised in honour of Dr Omane Boamah on Tuesday, August 4, Dr Ato Forson said the late minister was deeply committed to strengthening Ghana's military through reforms aimed at building a modern, professional and efficient armed forces while improving the welfare of military personnel.

“He served Ghana with conviction. He strengthened our institutions. He believed in leadership anchored in service and the national interest. As Minister for Defence, he worked to build a modern, professional, and capable Ghana Armed Forces. He focused and placed great importance on the welfare of our service personnel,” he said.

Dr Ato Forson noted that the annual memorial lecture would serve as a platform to preserve Dr Omane Boamah's legacy and inspire future generations to embrace leadership grounded in integrity, patriotism and public service.

Dr Omane Boamah was among eight people who lost their lives in a Ghana Air Force helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.

The Z-9EH helicopter crashed while en route to the Ashanti Region, killing several senior government officials and military personnel.

Also killed in the crash were the then Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr Samuel Sarpong; National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Vice Chairman, Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flight Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Ghana Air Force.

The annual lecture forms part of efforts to honour Dr Omane Boamah's memory and celebrate the values of dedication, service and patriotism that defined his career in public office.