Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has called on the government to intensify the fight against illegal mining, or ‘galamsey’, as the most fitting tribute to the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the seven other victims of the August 6 helicopter crash.
Speaking on Citi FM, Mr. Pratt argued that the ultimate sacrifice of the victims in the line of duty demands a renewed and unwavering national commitment to combat the menace of galamsey, which he described as having a “devastating effect on the nation”.
“He died in the line of duty, no doubt. But I think that those of us who want to honour his memory should carry on the fight that took his life. That is the fight against galamsey,” Mr Pratt stated on Friday, August 15.
READ ALSO: Photos: Ghana bids final farewell to helicopter crash victims
He warned that to abandon the fight would be a great “dishonour” to their memory, urging the country to turn its grief into action.
“If we truly believe he was worth the honour that all of us have showered on him, we should renew our commitment to fighting against galamsey. If we fail to fight against galamsey, it will be a huge dishonour in the memory of Omane Boamah and all those who died in the helicopter crash.”
Pratt also highlighted the severe repercussions of illegal mining on Ghana’s economy and public health, citing a decline in cocoa production and alarming health issues.
Recent data from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) indicates that over 30,000 hectares of cocoa farms have been destroyed by galamsey as of late 2024.
“Cocoa production has gone down by 60% and we know that galamsey is responsible for the reduction in our figures,” he said, citing official numbers from COCOBOD. He also raised concerns about public health, a field close to Dr. Omane Boamah’s own training as a medical doctor. “Medical experts are reporting that many children are being born deformed, some born without eyes, arms. Water bodies destroyed, food poisoning,” he warned.
Mr. Pratt’s call to action came as Ghana held a solemn state funeral service and burial for Dr. Omane Boamah and five other victims on Friday, August 15.
The ceremony, held with full military honours, took place at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Greater Accra Region.
Thousands of mourners, including top government officials, members of the military high command, and grieving family members, gathered to pay their final respects. The funeral followed an emotional interfaith service at Black Star Square, where tributes poured in for the former student activist, political leader, and medical doctor.
The six who were interred on August 15 were:
- Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
- Former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye
- NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
This followed the earlier burial of Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, who were laid to rest on August 10 in line with Islamic tradition.
The national tributes underscore the profound loss felt across Ghana as the country grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy and the fight to which the officials dedicated their lives.
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