Biography of Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah (1974–2025)
Early Life & Education
- Born 26 December 1974, Boamah attended Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary in Koforidua.
- He trained as a medical doctor at the University of Ghana Medical School, with a medical elective at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, USA.
- He earned a Master’s in Health Policy Planning and Financing from the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
- During his university years, he led student bodies as President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) and Coordinating Secretary of the Federation of Ghana Medical Students Association (FGMSA).
Medical & Humanitarian Service
- Served with WHO volunteers during the Expanded Programme on Immunisation in 2004.
- Took part in the medical rescue team during the 2001 Accra Sports Stadium disaster.
Political Career
- Deputy Minister for Environment, Science and Technology (2009–2012): led investigations into environmental incidents involving KOSMOS Energy and Newmont Ghana, and launched a nationwide tree-planting campaign.
- Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports (2012–2013): helped coordinate Ghana’s participation in AFCON 2013.
- Minister for Communications & Presidential Spokesperson (2013–2017): spearheaded Ghana’s 4G LTE rollout (GOTA), established the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-GH), championed child online protection, and served as presidential spokesperson from 2014 to 2017.
- Director of Elections for the NDC ahead of the 2024 polls, reflecting his strategic importance within the party.
- Minister of Defence (Feb – Aug 2025): appointed following nomination by President Mahama in January 2025, succeeding Dominic Ni
Tragic Passing
- On 6 August 2025, Dr. Omane Boamah tragically died in a military helicopter crash (Z‑9 helicopter) in the Adansi District, Ashanti Region, en route to an event related to anti-illicit mining efforts. The crash also claimed the lives of several government and military officials.
Legacy
- Dr. Boamah is remembered as a multifaceted leader—a medical doctor, health policy expert, environmental advocate, tech innovator, and public servant.
- His work spanned public health, environmental protection, digital transformation, youth empowerment, and national security.
- He authored a biography titled A Peaceful Man in an African Democracy on former President John Atta Mills, scheduled for release in late 2025.