Ablakwa Pays Emotional Tribute to August 6 Martyrs
The North Tongu MP took to social media and shared a profound tribute about his deceased colleagues.
Foreign Minister and North Tongu MP, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has delivered a moving tribute to the eight victims of the August 6 helicopter tragedy, honouring their service, patriotism, and ultimate sacrifice
In a heartfelt eulogy shared on social media, Ablakwa described himself as “shattered, devastated, speechless” by the loss, particularly mourning the passing of his close friend and political ally, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah. He said no human deserved to die in such a manner, adding that the martyrs would be eternally celebrated for their contributions to Ghana.
The victims — Dr Omane Boamah, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane Twum Ampadu, and Sgt Ernest Addo Mensah — perished in what he called “unspeakable circumstances” while serving the nation.
Ablakwa revealed that global leaders and organisations had sent condolences to President John Mahama and the Foreign Ministry, recognising the fallen as heroes of international repute.
Reflecting on his decades-long friendship with Dr Omane Boamah, the Minister recounted their shared days as student activists, their work with the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), and their collaboration in the Committee for Joint Action (CJA). He likened Omane Boamah’s revolutionary zeal to that of Che Guevara, noting both were medical doctors who died in active service for a cause they deeply believed in.
“Omane survived the 2008 helicopters; he didn’t survive the 2025 helicopter,” Ablakwa wrote, recalling past close calls the two had faced together during activism.
He credited Omane Boamah for championing the preservation of the GETFund during his NUGS presidency, playing a pivotal role in shaping President Mahama’s education policies. As a politician, Omane Boamah served as Defence Minister and NDC Election Director, earning praise for his strategic acumen and policy innovations, including Free Primary Healthcare and the Mahama Cares programme.
Beyond politics, Ablakwa praised his friend as a devoted husband and father who balanced national duties with quality family time. He revealed that Dr Omane Boamah was working on two books — one on the late President John Evans Atta Mills and another on his political journey — and appealed for their posthumous publication.
Calling for the nation to honour the martyrs’ legacy, Ablakwa urged Ghanaians to unite behind President Mahama’s environmental justice agenda, the cause for which the eight lost their lives.
“Rest well, all you martyrs of August 6. Ghana and the world shall never ever forget your sacrifice,” he concluded.
