Story by: Sgt Wettey Prince
Photos by: Cpl Dodoo David

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) in collaboration with Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary, has held a public lecture to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of the late Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and seven others. The event, held under the theme "Selfless Leadership in Public Service," took place on Tuesday, 4 August 2026, at Burma Hall in Accra as part of activities marking the anniversary of the national tragedy.

Delivering the welcome address, the Acting Minister for Defence, Dr Casley Ato Forson, expressed appreciation to the Chairman, guest speakers, the planning committee, the alumni of Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary, sponsors, and all stakeholders whose support contributed to the successful organisation of the event. He noted that the lecture was intended not only to honour the memory of the late Dr Omane Boamah and the seven others who lost their lives but also to celebrate the enduring values of patriotism, integrity, and selfless public service.

Dr Ato Forson described the late Dr Omane Boamah as an exceptional statesman whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment contributed significantly to the modernisation and professional development of the Ghana Armed Forces. He announced that the public lecture would become an annual event aimed at preserving the late minister's ideals, stimulating meaningful national discourse, and inspiring future generations to embrace selfless leadership and dedicated service to the nation.

The first lecture was delivered by the Very Reverend Father Dr Ebenezer Akesseh on the theme, "Selfless Leadership in Public Service: Lessons from the Life and Legacy of Dr Omane Boamah." Drawing on his personal relationship with the late statesman, Father Dr Akesseh described him as a humble, compassionate and selfless leader whose commitment to public service was driven by a genuine desire to improve the lives of others rather than personal ambition.

He encouraged participants to emulate Dr Omane Boamah's exemplary qualities of integrity, humility, discipline and dedication to duty. He stressed that true leadership is measured by the positive impact one leaves on society and urged all present to uphold the principles of selfless service in their respective fields of endeavour.

Delivering the second lecture on the theme "Accra Beyond the Floods: Rethinking Enforcement, Urban Planning, and Community Resilience," Professor Kwasi Appeaning Addo underscored the urgent need for stricter enforcement of planning regulations, improved urban planning, and stronger community engagement to address the persistent challenge of flooding in Accra.

He observed that resilience, discipline, unity and teamwork are essential ingredients for building sustainable and flood-resilient communities, values that reflected the life and public service of the late Dr. Omane Boamah.

Professor Appeaning Addo further called on government institutions, metropolitan and municipal assemblies, traditional authorities and citizens to work collaboratively towards protecting the environment and promoting sustainable urban development. According to him, such collective action would help minimise future disasters while advancing responsible national development founded on discipline, accountability and shared responsibility.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the lecture, Dr Emmanuel Adu Sakodee, Akwamuhene, urged Ghanaians to uphold integrity, discipline and responsible citizenship as indispensable pillars for sustainable national development. He emphasised that the nation's progress depends not only on physical infrastructure but also on strong moral values, environmental stewardship and a collective commitment to the common good.

Dr Sakodee expressed appreciation to the organisers, speakers and participants for the successful programme and offered prayers for God's continued guidance, peace and prosperity for the nation.