Ghana’s former ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr Tony Aidoo, has called on President John Mahama to urgently end the illegal mining menace, popularly known as galamsey, warning that it could claim more members of his cabinet if decisive action is not taken.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, August 9, Dr Aidoo drew a direct link between last Wednesday’s fatal helicopter crash—which claimed the lives of eight people, including two cabinet ministers—and the government’s fight against galamsey.
“To be frank, I had a personal connection with only three of the unfortunate victims of the helicopter crash — 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 nor to pay another apologetic tribute. This will be a very tiny voice among the worldwide tributes following the avoidable national tragedy.”
The former senior presidential aide stressed that the deaths were not an act of God but the result of human failings.
“Even though faith says we must eulogise the dead, we must look behind and look for the cause—why did they die? People will say, ‘Oh, the Lord gave us, and the Lord takes.’ I say that God did not take. It was we who gave, by our mistake, an avoidable death,” he said.
The crash claimed the lives of 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? They were in the air because they were going to fight galamsey,” Dr Aidoo pointed out. “President Mahama must kill the galamsey menace before it ends his members [of cabinet].”
Dr Aidoo stressed that the most fitting tribute to the victims would be immediate and decisive action against illegal mining.
“God gives, yes, but God does not take innocent lives. People die by their own destruction or by lifestyle. What is President Mahama waiting for? Yesterday, I heard Kwame Mpianim say we must ban galamsey for three months.
“In fact, my first reaction after the Chief of Staff gave us the details and confirmed the death was to send the message directly to President Mahama, and I said these eight patriotic souls lost their lives in the fight against galamsey.
“So for God’s sake, Mr President, don’t let them die in vain. Stop the galamsey now. That’s the best tribute we can pay to these patriotic deaths,” he said.
The tragic crash has reignited calls for a tougher stance on illegal mining, with many observers echoing Dr Aidoo’s sentiments that the fight against galamsey must become an urgent national priority.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or Email: manuelnkansah33@gmail.com