Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, was determined to confront Ghana’s illegal mining crisis head-on, with unwavering support from President John Mahama.
In an interview on Channel One TV, Ablakwa described Dr. Boamah as a resolute leader whose uncompromising approach could have reshaped the nation’s fight against galamsey.
According to Ablakwa, Dr. Boamah’s tough stance was fully endorsed by President Mahama. “President Mahama said, ‘Look, you have my full blessings, go ahead!’” he said.
“We have really lost people who had so much prospects, could have really changed the destiny of our country,” he said. “Look, I have no doubt that Dr. Omane Boamah would have solved this galamsey crisis.”
Dr. Boamah was among eight prominent Ghanaians killed in the August 6 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region. Others who perished included Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Two victims, both Muslims, were laid to rest on August 10 at the Military Cemetery in Accra under Islamic rites. The government has declared a state funeral for August 15 and opened a national tribute platform for citizens to pay their respects.
