The management and students of Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary in the Eastern Region held a requiem mass to honour the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister for Defence and proud alumnus of the school.
Dr. Boamah tragically died in a military helicopter crash on August 6, which claimed eight lives in the Ashanti Region. His passing has deeply affected the school community, especially as he had recently visited the school last month as the guest speaker for its 67th Anniversary celebration.
Among those who attended the mass was Barimah Nana Yaw Oppong Kodie, a Court of Appeal Judge and Director of the Ghana School of Law, who paid tribute to his late junior colleague. Reflecting on their interaction at the anniversary event, he described Dr. Boamah as “a very unique person” who remained humble and respectful despite his high office.
He further praised Dr. Boamah’s generosity, highlighting contributions such as support for the school’s road project and other initiatives largely unknown to many. “You cannot quantify what he has done in monetary terms. It’s a big loss to the nation, to the president, to his family, and to us who knew him from childhood,” he said.
Students also shared their reflections on Dr. Boamah’s legacy. The Senior Prefect expressed how the late minister’s patriotism and spirit of giving have inspired him and his peers. He recalled promises made by Dr. Boamah to support the school’s science lab renovation, assembly hall project, and even sponsoring a Visual Arts student who had drawn his portrait.
The Assistant School Prefect highlighted a memorable message from the minister’s speech: “We should build bridges so others should make it through us.” He described Dr. Boamah as “a powerful and patriotic leader” whose visit left a lasting impact on the school.
Students said the minister’s death has been a painful loss but emphasized that his legacy of patriotism and service continues to inspire them. “What I’ve learned from him is to be patriotic. We must remember our roots, our home will always be our home,” one student concluded.
