‘When Comrades Become Statesmen’, tribute to Omane Boamah, Murtala – Victoria Hamah writes

Ghana was struck with lachrymose grief on Wednesday, 6th August, when Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Dr. Alhaji Murtala Mohammed, and six others lost their lives in a helicopter crash while participating in the national campaign against the galamsey menace and its devastating impact on Ghana’s environment, a tragedy indelibly etched in the political history of our country.

The shared journeys of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammad, and myself, are deeply rooted in the vibrant tradition of student leadership and activism.

In 2013, I had the privilege of serving as Deputy Minister under Dr. Omane Boamah. I came to know him as a leader of clarity, meticulousness, and unwavering devotion to public service.

My nomination to that role was met with intense public anticipation, amplified by a wave of media scrutiny. In those high-pressure moments, Dr. Omane Boamah stood firmly by my side, offering steady guidance, unshakable encouragement, and the resources I needed to prepare for my parliamentary vetting. His mentorship was not only professional but profoundly humane.

Despite the inherent power imbalance between Minister and Deputy Minister, a relationship undefined by law and sustained solely by the goodwill of the substantive Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, gave me genuine space to participate meaningfully in the Ministry’s work.

With profound gratitude, I recall how Dr. Omane Boamah played a significant role in supporting my parliamentary campaign in the Ablekuma West constituency. His contribution went beyond words, as he provided essential party paraphernalia and logistical support that strengthened our operations on the ground. Through his assistance, we were able to effectively mobilise our team, reach out to voters, and project a strong and organised campaign presence in the constituency.

In the early years of the 21st century, my path crossed with Dr. Edward Omane-Boamah, Dr. Alhaji Murtala Mohammed, and the late Dr. John Kumah, united by our shared belief in social justice. Alongside comrades like Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Lord Hamah, D.M. Ofori-Atta, and others, we stood at the forefront of student struggles, challenging injustice and defending public education.

In 2008, Dr. Omane Boamah proposed my name as Treasurer of the National Youth Campaign Team for the election of President John Evans Atta Mills, a team composed of distinguished former student leaders. His trust reflected a deep belief in my capacity to contribute meaningfully to the democratic processes of our party.

Earlier still, in 2006, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and I represented Ghana at the All-African Students’ Union Congress in Johannesburg, South Africa. At the time, I served as Women’s Commissioner for the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa was NUGS President, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed was the Deputy Secretary-General of the All-African Students’ Union. Also present at the congress were the Secretary-General of AASU – Comrade Dr. Oludare Ogunlana, and former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, then Governor of Bayelsa State. That gathering, along with our collective experiences in student activism, strengthened our shared vision of a united, progressive Africa rooted in principled leadership.

Years later, Comrade Murtala and I would cross paths again, this time as scholars. Both of us embarked on PhD research into parliamentary committees; he completed and graduated earlier this year. Over time, we exchanged ideas, compared findings, and he generously shared scholarly resources with me, a gesture that reflected his enduring spirit of solidarity.

When I faced the brunt of corporate media attacks and the infamous false “$1 million” narrative, Comrade Murtala was among the very few, and often the lone, public voices who defended my integrity. I recall with deep appreciation his public advocacy across various radio platforms, where he unequivocally affirmed, “I know Victoria Hamah personally, and she is not corrupt.” His courage to speak against the turbulent tide of the concocted narrative remains an enduring testament to his value of truth in public life.

From the crucible of student activism to the arenas of public service and scholarship, I have learned from these men, their loyalty, their courage, their generosity, and their steadfast commitment to principle.

Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Comrade Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed embody the unbreakable bonds of comradeship and the enduring values our generation must protect and pass on.

Fare Thee Well, Comrades!!!

Rest In Peace, Brothers!!!