Prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) figure Gabby Otchere-Darko has paid an extraordinary bipartisan tribute to Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, calling the late politician a “most formidable political strategist” for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Otchere-Darko’s public praise came after Boamah perished in Ghana’s August 6 military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.
In a social media post, the opposition leader acknowledged Boamah’s decades of influence. “From his CJA days before 2008 to steering the 2024 elections, he was instrumental in NDC’s fortunes,” Otchere-Darko wrote. “At his age, he had more active decades ahead as their strategist. A loss too huge to measure.” The rare cross-party recognition underscores the profound impact of the tragedy on Ghana’s political landscape.
Otchere-Darko described the crash as “a dark tragedy of unimaginable scale,” noting Ghana had “never endured a loss of such magnitude involving serving high state officials.” His statement emphasized national unity in grief, extending condolences to President Mahama, victims’ families, and all citizens mourning the void. He specifically honored Boamah as his “dear Koforidua brother” who died in service.
The ill-fated flight from Accra to Obuasi carried key government figures including Environment Minister Murtala Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong, and senior security officials. Ghana Armed Forces confirmed the helicopter vanished from radar before crashing, killing all eight aboard. The tragedy has prompted nationwide mourning and rare political solidarity during this period of profound loss.
