Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed the late Defense Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah’s steadfast dedication to combating illicit mining, claiming that President John Mahama fully supported his decision to use the military against galamsey operations.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, who appeared on The Point of View on Monday, August 11, 2025, the country lost a visionary leader who had the potential to greatly alter Ghana’s battle against the threat of illegal mining.
He remembered his private discussions with the late Defense Minister, who was unwavering in his resolve to send soldiers without delay.
“He told me, ‘Look, the Military will be deployed; I’m deploying them. I’m getting calls—sometimes he will show you who is calling—and it could be the National Executive or the Regional Executive. I’m not minding you. I’m not going to engage in any pretense. What we do in private is different from what we’re telling the public. No! These troops are in harm’s way, risking their lives, and you want us to cut political deals? No, I won’t be part of that.’”
Mr. Ablakwa continued by saying that President Mahama had received a thorough explanation of this position from Dr. Omane Boamah and had granted his complete approval.
“President Mahama said, ‘Look, you have my full blessings; go ahead!’” he said.
The sad August 6 military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of eight individuals, including the late defense minister.
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defense, were killed in the helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6.
Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong were also confirmed dead.
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah were among the crew members who lost their lives.
The Z-9 helicopter, which was carrying three crew members and five passengers, had previously disappeared “off the radar,” according to a Ghana Armed Forces report.
At 09:12 local time (GMT), the plane took off from Accra on its way to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining event. A search and rescue operation was launched as soon as it vanished, and it was eventually determined that all eight of the passengers had perished.
Source: newsthemegh.com