Kwesi Pratt Jnr., the Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, has urged the government to intensify its efforts in combating illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’ He believes this would serve as a 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 emphasised that the ultimate sacrifice made by the victims in the line of duty calls for a renewed and unwavering national commitment to tackle the problem of galamsey, which he described as having a “devastating effect on the nation.”
“He died in the line of duty, without a doubt. Those of us who want to honour his memory should continue the fight that took his life—the fight against galamsey,” Mr. Pratt stated on Friday, August 15. He warned that abandoning this fight would be a significant “dishonour” to their memory and called on the country to transform its grief into action.
“If we truly believe he deserves the honour that we have all bestowed upon him, we must renew our commitment to fighting against galamsey. Failing to do so would be a tremendous dishonour to Omane Boamah and all those who perished in the helicopter crash.”
Pratt also highlighted the severe consequences of illegal mining on Ghana’s economy and public health, noting 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.
Source: https://www.myjoyonline.com/
