The Pope John Old Students Association (POJOBA) has appealed to the government to complete ongoing development projects at Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary as a lasting tribute to the late Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who died in the August 6 military helicopter crash.
At a vigil Mass on Thursday, August 14, at Christ the King Parish, National President of POJOBA, Isaac Aboagye Duah, described Dr. Omane Boamah as a “devoted son” of the school whose commitment went beyond words.
“During his lifetime, he personally funded and initiated major projects, including a dormitory block, a science laboratory, and the road to the school,” Mr. Aboagye Duah said. “We believe completing and upgrading these facilities, especially the science laboratory, and naming it after him will immortalise his name and inspire future generations.”
The association is urging President John Mahama’s administration to factor the projects into the next national budget, noting that the renovation and expansion of the science laboratory could serve as a beacon for educational excellence in the Eastern Region and beyond.
Beyond the school grounds, Mr. Aboagye Duah praised Dr. Omane Boamah’s resolute opposition to illegal mining (galamsey) and called on government to intensify the fight against the practice as another way of honouring his memory.
Dr. Omane Boamah will be laid to rest on Friday, August 15, alongside five other victims of the crash: former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. Two others, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, were buried on August 10.
For POJOBA, the late minister’s name belongs not only in the nation’s history books but also on the walls and corridors of the institution that helped shape him.
