Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, who died in the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region, was a distinguished politician, medical doctor, and public servant.
Here are highlights of his life and career.
1. Early life and education
Born on December 26, 1974, Boamah attended Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary. He trained as a medical doctor at the University of Ghana Medical School and later pursued a master’s in Health Policy Planning and Financing from the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
2. Medical background
He volunteered with the WHO in 2004, worked on the Accra Sports Stadium disaster rescue team in 2001, and returned to medical practice after the NDC lost the 2016 elections.
3. Entry into politics
Boamah served as Deputy Minister for Environment, Science and Technology (2009–2012) and chaired key investigations into environmental pollution incidents. He later became Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports.
4. Role as Minister for Communications
Appointed in 2013, he championed child online protection and set up the National Computer Emergency Response Team. He also served as Spokesperson to President John Mahama.
5. Appointment as Defence Minister
In February 2025, he became Ghana’s Minister of Defence, serving until his untimely death six months later.
6. Notable contributions
He coordinated Ghana’s participation in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and was vice-chairman of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development.
7. Passing and legacy
Boamah died alongside seven others, including two other ministers, in the Ghana Air Force Z-9 crash. His upcoming book, A Peaceful Man In An African Democracy, on the late President John Atta Mills, is set for release later in 2025.
