Touching Tribute from FIC Chief to Late Defence Minister Omane Boamah

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Kwadwo Twum Boafo, has delivered a moving and deeply personal tribute to the late Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, following his tragic death in a military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.

Dr. Boamah was one of eight individuals who lost their lives when a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter went down in the Adansi-Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The accident, which shocked the entire nation, claimed the lives of dedicated public servants who were described as heroes by many, including national leaders and civil society.

Appearing on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV on August 22, Mr. Twum Boafo shared heartfelt reflections on his close relationship with Dr. Boamah. Fighting back emotion, he recalled not only the late minister’s distinguished public service but also his personal kindness, loyalty, and sense of duty—both to the country and to those closest to him.

“He was more than a colleague. He was a true friend—steadfast and loyal in ways that words struggle to capture,” Twum Boafo said.

He recounted a particularly meaningful moment from their friendship: “When I faced difficulties with EOCO some years ago, Dr. Omane Boamah was studying at the London School of Economics. The moment he heard of my arrest, he got on a plane and came back to Ghana. He stayed by my side for a full week. That gesture spoke volumes about the kind of man he was—present in times of crisis, committed to those he cared about.”

According to Mr. Twum Boafo, the two maintained constant communication, with regular calls and check-ins. “It’s hard to accept that he’s gone. There was rarely a week we didn’t speak. In fact, I spoke to him just two days before the crash,” he said somberly.

Describing Dr. Boamah’s character, Twum Boafo painted a picture of a thoughtful, intelligent, and calm individual who handled responsibilities with grace and professionalism. “He had a way of bringing calm to every situation, no matter how difficult. His intelligence was matched by his emotional depth and genuine compassion.”

Beyond their friendship, Twum Boafo acknowledged Dr. Boamah’s national service, calling him a dedicated public servant who left a lasting legacy. “His contribution to the country—through healthcare, communications, and defence—was immense. He touched many lives, both in government and in the communities he served.”

He then turned his attention to the families of the eight individuals who died in the crash, expressing his condolences in deeply personal terms. “To the children of Dr. Boamah and to his wife Rita—I don’t have the right words. Your loss is immeasurable, and I offer you my heartfelt sympathy. May you find strength in the love he had for you and the respect the nation had for him.”

Twum Boafo concluded his tribute in Twi, offering a final message to his departed friend: “Omane, da yie—rest well. I hope we meet again someday, though not too soon, because yewo edwuma ye—we still have work to do here.”

A state funeral was held on August 15, 2025, to honour the eight fallen individuals. The ceremony, attended by top government officials, family members, and citizens from across the country, paid tribute to their sacrifice and unwavering commitment to national duty.

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, a physician by profession and a respected statesman, previously served as Minister for Communications and in other senior government roles before leading the Defence Ministry. His sudden passing has left a profound void in Ghana’s public life and in the hearts of those who knew him.