The Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), declared that all discussions concerning the upcoming Akwatia by-election have been halted following the tragic military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6.
This devastating incident claimed the lives of several high-ranking government and party officials, including Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections and Minister for Defence.
Speaking to media on Thursday, August 7, Tanko paid tribute to Dr. Boamah, emphasizing his crucial role as the backbone of the party’s electoral machinery. He reflected on the late minister’s leadership and strategic insight, which significantly contributed to the party’s successes in challenging constituencies.
“He was the engine of our directorate. Even after being appointed Defence Minister, he continued to serve as the Director of Elections, providing invaluable strategies that helped us win in tough areas like Ablekuma North,” Tanko recalled.
With palpable emotion, Tanko shared that he had been in direct communication with Dr. Boamah just hours before the tragic crash, collaborating on plans for the Akwatia by-election. “As of yesterday at 7:45 am, he was still deep in discussions about our strategy for Akwatia, only for us to lose him just hours later,” he lamented.
Tanko praised Dr. Boamah’s remarkable intellect and versatility, describing him as a unique talent who excelled not only in politics but also in fields like medicine, writing, and electoral strategy.
The impact of this tragedy weighs heavily on the NDC, with Tanko revealing that the party is in deep mourning and unable to pursue any electoral plans at this time. “Currently, we are devastated by his death and that of the other National Officers. For now, nobody has the nerve to talk about Akwatia. We are mourning our gallant officers. After our period of mourning, a decision will be taken at the national level. Akwatia is not on the table as of now,” he stated.
Among those who lost their lives in the crash were Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology and MP for Tamale Central; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman; and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye. Additionally, three officers of the Ghana Air Force—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also perished in this tragic incident.
As the nation grapples with the loss of these prominent figures, the NDC, the military, and the entire country remain in mourning while investigations into the crash are ongoing.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
