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 in an interview 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.
