Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has paid glowing tribute to the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, commending his unwavering determination to tackle Ghana’s illegal mining crisis.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, 11 August, Mr Ablakwa described Dr Omane Boamah as a visionary leader whose integrity and resolve could have transformed the nation’s fight against galamsey.
“We have truly lost people with immense potential — people who could have altered the destiny of our country,” he said. “I have no doubt whatsoever that Dr Omane Boamah would have solved this galamsey crisis.”
Recounting private conversations with the late minister, Mr Ablakwa said Dr Omane Boamah had been prepared to deploy the military against illegal miners without yielding to political pressure.
“He told me, ‘The military will be deployed — I’m deploying them. I get calls, sometimes from national or regional executives, but I’m not listening to them. What we do behind closed doors must match what we say publicly. These troops are in harm’s way, risking their lives, and you expect us to cut political deals? No, I won’t be part of that.’”
According to Mr Ablakwa, Dr Omane Boamah had communicated this firm stance directly to then-President John Dramani Mahama, who gave him full backing.
“President Mahama told him, ‘You have my full blessings, go ahead,’” he disclosed.
Dr Omane Boamah was among eight Ghanaians who perished in the tragic military helicopter crash on 6 August in the Ashanti Region.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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