“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Black Wednesday, 6th August 2025, will forever remain etched in the nation’s memory. On that tragic day, Ghana was robbed of eight brilliant minds. Among them was Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah a man whose life of service, loyalty, and brilliance left an indelible mark on his colleagues, his party, and his nation.
For Hon. Edward Ato Sarpong, the loss is more than a national tragedy. It is the painful departure of a brother, mentor, and friend.
“When I walked into the office of the Chief of Staff and heard the news, I froze,” he recalls. “That black Wednesday remains a day that continuously gives me nightmares anytime I attempt to sleep. The trip to Koforidua to break the news to your mother was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.”
For Sarpong, disbelief has not yet given way to acceptance. Days after the tragedy, he writes, he still finds himself struggling to reconcile with the reality that the man he once worked so closely with is no more. Yet, amidst the grief, he chooses to celebrate Dr. Omane’s life a life marked by brilliance, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to Ghana.
Sarpong recalls with warmth the moment his path first crossed with Dr. Omane in government. On the night of April 30, 2014, he received a call that would define the beginning of a remarkable relationship. “Omane called to congratulate me on my nomination as his deputy at the Communications Ministry. That call was generous, sincere, and filled with encouragement,” he writes.
In the days that followed, Dr. Omane became more than a colleague. He was a guide, a mentor, and a friend. Despite his heavy responsibilities as Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information, he made time to prepare Sarpong for his vetting. He would call almost daily, offer advice, and even show up on the morning of the vetting itself—staying throughout the session to lend his support.
“Omane was such an amazing human being,” Sarpong notes. “Working with him was a delight. He delegated responsibility with trust, guided with wisdom, and allowed me the space to grow.”
To those who worked with him, Dr. Omane was more than a public servant he was a perfectionist, a man of principle, and a visionary strategist. Sarpong recalls being in awe of his meticulous approach to work, his ability to view problems from unique perspectives, and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
“Omane embodied integrity,” he writes. “I saw at first hand his ruthless attack on corruption. In meetings, his brilliance was unmatched. He was years ahead of his age.”
Beyond the ministry, he remained a devoted friend checking in, offering advice, and sharing his insights even during the difficult days of opposition. “Although he was younger than me, I learnt a lot from him lessons that even older men I have worked with never taught me.”
Dr. Omane’s footprint across government was undeniable. At the Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology, he spearheaded progressive change. At the Ministry of Youth and Sports, he left tangible legacies. At the Ministry of Information and Communications, he revolutionized Ghana’s ICT and communication landscape.
As Director of Elections and IT for the NDC, he designed and executed one of the party’s most successful strategies in history. At the time of his passing, as Minister of Defense, he was in the process of repositioning Ghana’s security architecture into one of the most forward-looking in the sub-region.
“His was a brain too good to have been terminated so abruptly,” Sarpong laments. “A gentle, humble man with great potential for our nation that is what we have lost.”
Sarpong’s last meeting with Dr. Omane was on July 18, 2025. They discussed collaborations between the Ministry of Defense and the Agricultural Development Bank, and once again, Omane though not a banker offered brilliant insights on how to accelerate growth. That conversation would be their last.
As Ghana mourns, Sarpong offers comfort in the assurance that Dr. Omane lived a life worthy of emulation and left a legacy that will endure.
“We have lost a leader, a strategist, and a brother. But today, we celebrate you because you glorified your Maker through your deeds on earth. May the Lord grant you everlasting peace and joy.”
Fare thee well, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah. Rest in perfect peace until we meet again.
