Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said that President John Mahama completely supported the late Defense Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah’s decision to employ the military to stop galamsey operations and that Boamah was determined to fight illegal mining.
On Monday, August 11, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa stated on The Point of View that the country had lost a visionary leader who had the potential to greatly change Ghana’s battle against the threat of unlawful mining.
“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.”
He remembered having private talks with the late Defense Minister, who was adamant about sending soldiers without making any concessions.
“He told me, ‘Look, the Military will be deployed, I’m deploying them. I’m getting calls — sometimes he will show you who is calling — and it could be National Executive, Regional Executive. I’m not minding you. I’m not going to engage in any pretense. What we do in private is different from what we’re telling the public, No! These troops are in harm’s way, risking their lives and you want us to cut political deals? No, I won’t be part of that.’”
Mr. Ablakwa continued by saying that President Mahama had received a thorough explanation of this position from Dr. Omane Boamah and had granted his complete approval.
“President Mahama said, ‘Look, you have my full blessings, go ahead!’” he said.
The sad August 6 military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of eight individuals, including the late defense minister.
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defense, were killed in the helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6.
Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong were also confirmed dead.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Joseph Asare
