Omane Boamah had Mahama’s full support to tackle illegal mining – Ablakwa

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said that the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, was firmly committed to fighting illegal mining, with the full backing of President John Mahama to deploy the military against galamsey operators.

Speaking on Channel One’s “The Point of View” programme on Monday, August 11, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa described the late minister as a visionary leader whose loss is deeply felt in Ghana’s struggle against illegal mining.

“We have really lost people who had so many prospects, could have really changed the destiny of our country,” he said. “Look, I have no doubt that Dr. Omane Boamah would have solved this galamsey crisis.”

Recounting private conversations with Dr. Omane Boamah, Mr. Ablakwa shared the minister’s unwavering resolve to deploy troops without compromise.

“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 National Executive, 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 added that Dr. Omane Boamah conveyed this position clearly to President Mahama, who gave his full blessings.

“President Mahama said, ‘Look, you have my full blessings, go ahead!’” he said.

Dr. Omane Boamah was among eight people who died in the military helicopter crash on August 6 in the Ashanti Region.

The crash also claimed the lives of Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong.

The helicopter crew members who perished included Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The Ghana Armed Forces earlier reported that the Z-9 helicopter, carrying three crew and five passengers, went “off the radar” while flying from Accra to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining event. A search-and-rescue operation later confirmed that all eight onboard had died.

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Following the tragedy, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, were buried on August 10 according to Islamic rites.