Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has paid an emotional tribute to the late Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister for Defence, who died in a tragic helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, alongside seven other government officials and military personnel.
Calling the incident “a national tragedy,” Iddrisu joined a chorus of national mourning over what has now been dubbed Ghana’s Black Wednesday.
“With a heart crushed beneath the weight of grief, I stand with the nation and with his family, shaken to the core, to honour a fallen hero,” the Education Minister said.
A Tragic Loss of National Servants
The crash occurred near Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom District as the delegation travelled to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP)—an initiative targeting illegal mining, also known as “galamsey.”
Those who perished include:
• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
• Hon. Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – MP for Tamale Central & Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
• Alhaji Limuna Muniru – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
• Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman, National Democratic Congress
• Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
• Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has described the event as “one of the darkest days in Ghana’s democratic history.”
“Formidable, Thoughtful and Strategic,” he said.
Mr Iddrisu described Dr. Boamah as a rare blend of intellect and service.
“Edward was formidable, thoughtful and strategic in all he did,” he said. “He was a political thinker whose singular preoccupation was President Mahama’s success—driven by his deep love for mother Ghana.”
He further revealed that Dr. Boamah was not originally scheduled to be on the helicopter, calling the twist of fate “cruel and heartbreaking.”
“It is particularly tragic because we know he wasn’t even supposed to be on that flight,” he said. “The Minister of Defence was left without the defence he deserved, and the medical doctor had no access to emergency care. It is painful beyond words.”
A Career of Service and Loyalty
The Education Minister reflected on their longstanding bond, which began in their university years.
“Like myself, Edward served as President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS). Even then, his leadership was evident. He balanced the rigours of medical school with bold student activism.”
He recalled their shared journey in government, where Dr. Boamah served in multiple deputy ministerial roles under the late President John Evans Atta Mills, before becoming Minister for Communications and Presidential Spokesperson during John Mahama’s first term.
“I handed over to him as Communications Minister in 2013. He carried that mantle with honour and distinction.”
Dr. Boamah was most recently credited with leading the NDC’s 2024 electoral victory as Director of Elections and IT—a role Haruna Iddrisu said was pivotal to the party’s comeback.
“He was the midwife of our electoral success. His technical brilliance and strategy made the impossible, possible.”
Appointed Defence Minister in January 2025, Dr. Boamah had only served for seven months before his untimely passing.
“Sadly, just as our work to reset Ghana had begun, he was taken from us,” Iddrisu said. “It is a bitter irony.”
A Final Act of Patriotism
Describing the mission that led to his death, Iddrisu said it symbolised Dr. Boamah’s unwavering dedication to Ghana’s future.
“He boarded that helicopter to lead the fight against illegal mining, one of Ghana’s most pressing threats,” he said. “It was a mission of no return. But Edward showed leadership to the very end,” he said.
