Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has called on Ghanaians to honour the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, by renewing the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
“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,” Pratt said in an interview on Eyewitness News.
He stressed that a true tribute to the late minister should go beyond ceremonial honours.
“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.”
Pratt lamented the severe damage caused by illegal mining, citing alarming national statistics.
“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.”
Dr. Omane Boamah was among eight people who died in the tragic August 6 helicopter crash.
