Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has urged the government to intensify efforts to end illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, in honour of the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah.
Dr. Omane Boamah was among eight people who died in the August 6 helicopter crash.
Speaking on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Friday, August 15, Mr. Pratt described the late minister as a student activist, political leader, and medical doctor who dedicated his life to serving 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. Galamsey has had a devastating effect on the nation.
He added, “If we truly respect Omane Boamah, 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.”
He warned of the devastating impact of illegal mining on the country, citing a 60% drop in cocoa production, severe environmental destruction, and rising health complications, including birth deformities and water contamination.
“Cocoa production has gone down by 60% and we know that galamsey is responsible for the reduction in our figures. Medical experts are reporting that many children are being born deformed, some born without eyes, arms. Water bodies destroyed, food poisoning,” he cited.
Mr. Pratt also fondly recalled health tips Dr. Omane Boamah had shared with him, which helped him avoid frequent malaria attacks.
On Friday, August 15, the nation bid farewell to Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and five others who perished in the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash.
The solemn burial at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Greater Accra Region, drew top government officials, the military high command, grieving families, and mourners from across Ghana.
Earlier, Black Star Square hosted an emotional interfaith funeral service, where tributes flowed alongside tears for the fallen.
The farewell was conducted in full military honours, with performances by the Ghana Air Force and Ghana Armed Forces bands.
This was 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, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
