Veteran Ghanaian journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has called on the government to intensify efforts to eradicate illegal mining, or galamsey, as a tribute to the late Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who perished in a military helicopter crash earlier this month.
Dr. Boamah was among eight senior officials and crew members killed on August 6 when a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter went down during an official mission. Speaking Friday evening on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Pratt, Managing Editor of The Insight, urged the nation to convert grief into action by targeting the illicit mining operations that have ravaged Ghana’s environment and economy.
“He died in the line of duty, no doubt,” Pratt said. “But I think that those of us who want to honor his memory should carry on the fight that took his life — the fight against galamsey.”
Pratt’s remarks come amid mounting public concern over the long-term environmental toll of illegal gold mining, which has contaminated major river systems, contributed to food insecurity, and, according to medical experts, may be linked to rising rates of birth defects in mining regions.
“Cocoa production has declined by 60%,” Pratt noted. “Medical experts are reporting rising numbers of birth deformities — children born without eyes or limbs. Water bodies are being destroyed. Food sources are poisoned.”
Dr. Boamah, a medical doctor, former student activist, and prominent figure within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), was praised by Pratt as a “dedicated public servant” whose legacy must be carried forward in policy and practice.
“If we truly believe he was worthy of the tributes we've offered, then we must renew our commitment to fighting galamsey,” Pratt said. “Otherwise, we dishonor not only him, but all who died in that helicopter.”
The fallen minister was laid to rest on Friday, August 15, at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Accra, in a full state burial attended by top government officials, military brass, and mourners from across the country. The funeral followed a solemn interfaith service at Black Star Square, where tributes poured in for the deceased.
Dr. Boamah was one of six victims interred that day, alongside NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, and presidential aide Samuel Aboagye. An earlier burial service on August 10 honored two other victims: Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed.
The tragedy has cast a long shadow over the Boamah administration, while also renewing debate over the risks faced by public officials operating in conflict-affected regions or environmentally contested zones.
For Pratt, the message is clear: the nation must turn mourning into momentum. “Let us not waste the sacrifice,” he said.
