The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has inaugurated its Maiden Annual Public Lecture Series in honour of the late Dr Edward Omane Boamah, celebrating his distinguished legacy of public service and commitment to national development. The maiden lecture was held at Burma Hall, Burma Camp, and brought together government officials, military leadership, diplomats, clergy, students, and other distinguished guests.
The lecture series is intended to preserve the ideals and enduring legacy of the late Defence Minister, whose dedication to national service continues to inspire leadership and patriotism.
Delivering the keynote remarks, the Acting Minister for Defence, Hon Cassiel Ato Forson, described Dr Omane Boamah as a leader who served Ghana with integrity, humility, and distinction. He noted that the late Minister devoted his life to public service and carried out his responsibilities with conviction and an unwavering commitment to the national interest.
According to Hon Ato Forson, Dr Omane Boamah played a significant role in strengthening national institutions and championed leadership rooted in service, professionalism, and patriotism. He stated that during his tenure as Minister for Defence, Dr Omane Boamah worked tirelessly to build a modern, professional, and capable Ghana Armed Forces while placing considerable emphasis on the welfare of military personnel.
The Acting Defence Minister further announced that the annual lecture series would serve as a platform to preserve Dr Omane Boamah’s ideals, promote constructive national dialogue, inspire principled leadership, and encourage future generations to serve Ghana with integrity and patriotism. He expressed appreciation to the chairperson, guest speakers, planning committee, sponsors, the Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary Old Boys Association (POJOBA), and all individuals and organisations whose contributions ensured the success of the event.
Chairperson of the occasion, President of the Ghana Employers’ Association and Akwamu Manwerehene, Dr Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodie paid glowing tribute to the late Dr Omane Boamah, describing him as a fiercely patriotic Ghanaian who consistently lived by the values he professed.
Dr Adu-Sarkodie recalled that the late Defence Minister strongly advocated the protection of state property and consistently discouraged acts of vandalism. He added that Dr Omane Boamah often reminded him of the responsibility to be builders of the nation, noting that previous generations laid the foundations for the country’s development despite the challenges they faced. He therefore urged Ghanaians to continue that legacy by contributing meaningfully to national development.
He further observed that Ghana needs more leaders with the character and vision of Dr Omane Boamah, stating that his life and service challenged citizens to pay greater attention to the nation’s social structures alongside its economic, political, and religious development. Dr Adu-Sarkodie also commended the Ministry of Defence, sponsors, and all stakeholders for organising a successful inaugural lecture.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Her Excellency Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang; the Chairman of the Council of State Hon Edward Doe Adjaho; National Chairman of The National Democratic Congress Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) Lieutenant General William Agyapong; the Service Chiefs; the Chairman of the Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG); senior and retired military officers; the clergy; representatives of the Pope John Old Boys Association; students; members of the diplomatic corps; and other invited guests.
