Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has called on government to intensify the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in memory of the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah.
Dr. Omane Boamah was among the eight victims of the August 6 helicopter crash.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, August 15, Mr. Pratt described the late minister as a student activist, political leader, and medical doctor who devoted his life to national service.
“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 – the fight against galamsey. Galamsey has had a devastating effect on the nation,” Mr. Pratt stated.
He added, “If we truly respect Omane Boamah, if we truly believe he was worth the honour we have all showered on him, then we must renew our commitment to fighting galamsey. If we fail, it will be a huge dishonour to his memory and to all those who died in the helicopter crash.”
Mr. Pratt warned of the severe consequences of illegal mining, pointing to a 60% decline in cocoa production, widespread environmental damage, and increasing health complications, including water contamination and birth defects.
“Cocoa production has gone down by 60%, and galamsey is largely to blame. Medical experts are reporting many children being born deformed – some without eyes or arms. Water bodies are destroyed, food is poisoned,” he lamented.
He also fondly recalled the health advice Dr. Omane Boamah once gave him, which helped him avoid recurring malaria attacks.
On Friday, August 15, Ghana bid farewell to Dr. Omane Boamah and five other victims of the crash at a solemn burial at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Greater Accra Region. The ceremony, attended by top government officials, the military high command, grieving families, and mourners from across the country, followed an emotional interfaith service at Black Star Square where tributes poured in.
The farewell was conducted with full military honours, featuring performances by the Ghana Air Force and Ghana Armed Forces bands.
This marked the second burial for victims of the tragedy. On August 10, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, were laid to rest.
Those interred on August 15 included Dr. Omane Boamah, Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Source: Adomonline
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