Kwesi Pratt Jr, a veteran journalist and Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, has said the John Mahama-led government’s failure to end illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, will be a huge dishonour to the August 6 helicopter crash victims.
According to Kwesi Pratt, galamsey fight commitment must be renewed if Ghana truly believe those who died are worth the honour that the whole country showered on them.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, August 15, Kwesi Pratt disclosed, “If we fail to fight against galamsey, it will be a huge dishonour in the memory of Omane Boamah and all those who died in the helicopter crash”.
“He died in the line of duty, no doubt. But I think that those of us who want to honour his memory should carry on the fight that took his life. That is the fight against galamsey. Galamsey has had a devastating effect on the nation”.
He added, “If we truly respect Omane Boamah, if we truly believe he was worth the honour that all of us have showered on him. We should renew our commitment to fighting against galamsey. If we fail to fight against galamsey, it will be a huge dishonour in the memory of Omane Boamah and all those who died in the helicopter crash.”
Kwesi Pratt further touched on the dwindling Ghana cocoa production, which he notes has gone down by some 60 per cent.
“Cocoa production has gone down by 60% and we know that galamsey is responsible for the reduction in our figures. Medical experts are reporting that many children are being born deformed, some born without eyes, arms. Water bodies destroyed, food poisoning,” the veteran journalist added.
Also, Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama will lead a very ruthless and relentless fight against galamsey.
According to Ablakwa, Ghana is going to see John Mahama lead the charge to stop the existential threat of illegal mining confronting Ghanaians.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, August 14, Mr Ablakwa stated, “I can confirm to you that you are going to see a fight that has never been witnessed before in this country. President Mahama is going to lead a very ruthless and relentless fight against galamsey.
He didn’t mince his words. We had a brief cabinet meeting, and the President was very clear that he would lead a war we have never seen before to stop this existential threat confronting us,” he stated.
In addition, Sam Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, has said an all-out war must be declared on galamsey in memory of all those who died in the tragic August 6 helicopter crash.
According to him, there must be decisive action in the fight against galamsey, which is non-negotiable.
Sam George noted that it would be a disservice to the memory of the eight Ghanaians and his colleagues if decisive action is not taken to end illegal mining commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking on Joy FM Super Morning Show, Sam George stated, “My belief and resolve in the fight against galamsey is as strong as it has ever been”
“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.”
“Omane had refused to sit in helicopters or planes since he became Defence Minister. This was literally one of the only times he agreed to fly – and it was because of galamsey. That should tell you how deeply invested he was in this fight,” Mr George noted.
He added that the late Omane Boamah believed in using both conventional methods and digital technology to fight galamsey.
Sam George revealed, “As Communications Minister, Omane had given me an assignment in the fight against galamsey. He believed in using both conventional methods and digital technology as part of a holistic solution.”
“It would be a disservice to the memory of our colleagues if we do not take decisive action. We failed to act meaningfully after the tragic death of Major Mahama, 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 said.
Meanwhile, Ghana, on August 15, 2025, laid to rest the remaining six of the eight victims of the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash.
The solemn state funeral was held at the Black Star Square in Accra.
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, were earlier buried on August 10.
Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Defence Minister, Samuel Aboagye, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah were also laid to rest at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Greater Accra Region, drawing government officials, the military high command, bereaved families, and mourners from across the country.