Former Ghanaian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. Tony Aidoo, has urged President John Mahama to take immediate and decisive action to end illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that it could claim more members of his cabinet if left unchecked.
Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, August 9, Dr. Aidoo linked last Wednesday’s tragic helicopter crash — which claimed eight lives, including two cabinet ministers — directly to the government’s ongoing battle against galamsey.
“To be frank, I had a personal connection with only three of the victims — Dr. Omane Boamah, Dr. Sarpong, and Dr. Murtala Mohammed,” he said. “Anytime I remember the departed, it is usually with teary eyes, but I am not here to eulogise. This is a small voice among the worldwide tributes following this avoidable national tragedy.”
The former Senior Presidential Aide stressed that the crash was not an act of God, but rather the result of human failings.
“Even though faith says we must eulogise the dead, we must ask why they died. People will say, ‘The Lord gave and the Lord takes.’ I say God did not take them — we did, by our mistake, through an avoidable death.”
The victims included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, and three crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
“Why were they in the air?” Dr. Aidoo questioned. “They were going to fight galamsey. President Mahama must kill the galamsey menace before it kills more members of his cabinet.”
He added that the most fitting tribute to the victims would be swift action against illegal mining.
“God gives, yes, but God does not take innocent lives. People die by their own destruction or lifestyle. What is President Mahama waiting for? Yesterday, I heard Kwame Mpianim suggest we ban galamsey for three months. My first reaction after hearing the confirmed deaths was to send a message directly to President Mahama: These eight patriotic souls lost their lives in the fight against galamsey. For God’s sake, Mr. President, don’t let them die in vain. Stop galamsey now. That is the best tribute we can give to these patriotic deaths.”
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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