Today, with a heavy heart, mourning the loss of an extraordinary leader, mentor, and brother, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in my life and the lives of so many others who were fortunate enough to know him.
Reflecting on our journey together, I am reminded of the fateful encounter we had in Koforidua back in 2012. It was a moment that changed the trajectory of my life forever. Dr. Omane Boamah didn’t just see a name; he saw potential where I could not. He recognized the hidden strengths within me and encouraged me to bring them to light.
After the 2012 general election, he reached out and invited me to his office in Accra. With a firm yet caring demeanor, he urged me to pursue my education, despite my financial struggles. At that time, I had resigned myself to the belief that university was out of reach. But Dr. Omane Boamah wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. He called on me to take a leap of faith, to apply to any university of my choice. And so, I did.
When I returned to his office with my admission letter, the joy in his eyes was palpable. He embraced me with warmth and pride, celebrating my achievement as if it were his own. With his unwavering support, he provided not just the admission fees, but the full tuition for my first year. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about his character—a man who believed in lifting others as he climbed.
His encouragement didn’t stop there. After I completed my first degree, Dr. Omane Boamah pushed me to pursue a master’s degree, and once again, he stood by my side, providing guidance and support every step of the way. Even after he transitioned from ministerial duties to opposition, he remained a constant presence in my life, checking in, chatting, and offering words of wisdom.
I often reflect on how different my life would have been had I not crossed paths with Dr. Omane Boamah. His belief in me ignited a fire I didn’t know existed, and for that, I am forever grateful. He taught me the importance of mentorship, compassion, and the profound impact one individual can have on another’s life.
As I am waiting for you to give me the date for your grandson OKA Omane Boamah Darko’s naming ceremony, I find myself grappling with the reality that Dr. Omane Boamah will not be here to celebrate this milestone with us. He promised to peraonally officiate the naming ceremony, a moment I had eagerly anticipated. Who will now fill that role? It is a bittersweet reminder of the love and guidance that he so generously shared.
Fare thee well, my dear brother. Your legacy will live on in the lives you touched and the dreams you nurtured. Thank you for believing in me, for your unwavering support, and for being a beacon of hope in my life. You will be dearly missed, but your spirit will forever guide us.
Baafoɔ Boamah Darko
Mawerɛhene of Akyem Adadeɛntɛm
