General Manager of Great Olympics, Eric Alagidede, has revealed that the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, was among the medical personnel who played a crucial role in rescuing victims during the tragic May 9 Stadium disaster.
Alagidede made this revelation following the fatal helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of Dr. Omane Boamah and seven others.
Speaking on Sporty FM, he described the former minister as a dedicated leader with a deep passion for football and a committed supporter of Asante Kotoko.
“He had that leadership quality you always look for and admire. He was hands-on and never just sat behind a desk like many of his colleagues,” Alagidede said.
“I didn’t know him personally very well, but I learned a lot from his example. He was not your typical African leader,” he added.
Highlighting Dr. Omane Boamah’s humanitarian side, Alagidede revealed, “Many people don’t know this, but he was part of the medical team that helped rescue victims during the May 9 Stadium disaster. That showed his commitment to serving people beyond his ministerial duties.”
The May 9 disaster remains one of Ghana’s darkest sporting tragedies, with 126 football fans losing their lives during a league match between Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium in 2001.
The August 6 helicopter crash also claimed the lives of Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, former Central Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three military personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
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