Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, has urged an uncompromising national offensive against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Kofi Omane Boamah and seven others.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, August 12, Mr George described galamsey as a “non-negotiable national emergency,” vowing to honour the victims by intensifying the fight.
“I lost my big brother, Kofi Omane Boamah, and seven other sons of our land because of galamsey. The least we can do in their memory is to wage an all-out war on it,” he declared.
Mr George revealed that Dr. Omane Boamah, who had long avoided air travel, agreed to fly that day solely because of his commitment to tackling illegal mining a testament to his dedication to the cause.
The Minister added that the late Defence Minister had entrusted him with a key role in integrating both traditional strategies and digital technology to combat the menace. He stressed that these plans must now be implemented in full.
Drawing parallels with the nation’s muted response after the 2017 murder of Major Maxwell Mahama during an anti-galamsey operation, Mr George warned against repeating the same mistake.
“We failed to act meaningfully after Major Mahama’s death, and now eight more brave souls have been lost. How many more are we waiting for? There must be decisive action it’s non-negotiable.”
He called for urgent government intervention, warning that further inaction would betray the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect Ghana’s environment and future.
