Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has honoured the memory of the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, praising his commitment to ending illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The North Tongu MP described Dr. Omane Boamah as a visionary leader whose integrity and determination could have significantly reshaped the fight against galamsey.
“We have truly lost people with immense potential, people who could have altered the destiny of our country. I have no doubt whatsoever that Dr. Omane Boamah would have solved this galamsey crisis,” he stated in an interview on Accra-based Channel One TV.
Recalling private conversations, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that the late minister had made it clear he would deploy the military against illegal miners without yielding to political influence.
“He told me, ‘The military will be deployed; I’m deploying them. I get calls; sometimes he would even show me who is calling. It could be national or regional executives, but I’m not listening to them.
‘I will not engage in pretence. What we do behind closed doors must match what we say publicly. These troops are in harm’s way, risking their lives, and you expect us to cut political deals? No, I won’t be part of that,’” he recounted.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, Dr. Omane Boamah had shared this uncompromising position directly with then-President John Dramani Mahama, who assured him of his full backing.
“President Mahama told him, ‘You have my full blessings; go ahead,’” he disclosed.
Dr. Omane Boamah was among eight prominent Ghanaians who died in the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
Source: Adomonline.com
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