In a passionate appeal, Ghana’s former Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. Tony Aidoo, has called on President John Mahama to urgently address the destructive galamsey (illegal mining) crisis, warning that more lives, including those of cabinet ministers could be lost if immediate action is not taken.
Speaking on Saturday’s edition of Newsfile, Dr. Aidoo linked last Wednesday’s tragic helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of eight people, to the government’s ongoing battle against illegal mining. Among the victims were two high-profile cabinet ministers Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Defence Minister, and Dr. Samuel Sarpong, the former NDC Vice Chairman.
“To be frank, I had a personal connection with only three of the victims, Dr. Omane Boamah, Dr. Sarpong, and Dr. Murtala Mohammed,” Aidoo shared. “When I remember them, it is with tears, but I am not here to offer another tribute. This tragedy was avoidable. And we must ask why they died.”
Aidoo stressed that the fatalities were not the result of fate, but rather human error. “Even though some may say, ‘The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away,’ I say this: God did not take them. It was our own mistakes, a consequence of our failure to prevent this,” Aidoo declared firmly.
The crash occurred as the victims, along with three crew members, were en route to support government operations aimed at curbing illegal mining in one of the country’s hardest-hit regions. “Why were they in the air? They were fighting galamsey,” Aidoo said. “President Mahama must act swiftly to end this menace before it claims more lives from his own cabinet.”
The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Omane Boamah, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Sarpong, and three crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Dr. Aidoo pointed out that the most meaningful tribute to the victims would be a decisive shift in government policy, particularly around the issue of illegal mining. “The best tribute we can give these eight brave souls is to stop galamsey now,” he urged.
The former senior presidential aide continued: “God gives life, but He does not take innocent lives. People die due to their own actions, their mistakes. I urge the President, with all due respect, to stop procrastinating. What is he waiting for? Why allow this to continue?”
Aidoo’s comments come in the wake of growing national outrage over the dangerous and destructive effects of galamsey. The illegal mining practice has ravaged the environment, contributing to water contamination and deforestation, while putting both miners and nearby communities at risk.
Last week, renowned broadcaster Kwame Mpianim also called for an immediate three-month ban on galamsey to address the mounting crisis.
“These eight patriotic lives were lost in the fight against galamsey,” Aidoo remarked. “So, for God’s sake, Mr. President, don’t let them die in vain. Act now.”
As the nation continues to mourn the loss of these distinguished public servants, the pressure on President Mahama to take immediate, comprehensive action to end illegal mining grows stronger.
