Finance Minister and Acting Minister for Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has eulogised the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, describing him as a selfless patriot whose commitment to military transformation and national service left a lasting legacy.

Speaking at the maiden annual public lecture held in honour of Dr Omane Boamah on Tuesday, August 4, Dr Ato Forson said the late minister dedicated his time in office to strengthening Ghana’s defence institutions and improving the operational capacity of the Ghana Armed Forces.

He noted that Dr Omane Boamah’s leadership was driven by a strong sense of duty, professionalism, and a commitment to 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,” Dr Ato Forson said.

According to the Finance Minister, the annual public lecture will serve as a lasting platform to preserve Dr Omane Boamah’s ideals and inspire future generations of leaders to embrace integrity, patriotism, and selfless public service.

Dr Omane Boamah was among eight people who lost their lives in the Ghana Air Force Z-9EH helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, while travelling on official duty to the Ashanti Region.

The tragic crash claimed the lives of several senior government officials and military personnel, including 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 maiden memorial lecture forms part of efforts to honour Dr Omane Boamah’s remarkable contribution to Ghana’s public service and defence sector while ensuring that the principles that guided his leadership continue to inspire future generations.