Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has paid tribute to the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, highlighting his unwavering determination to confront Ghana’s illegal mining menace head-on.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, 11 August, Mr Ablakwa described Dr Omane Boamah as a visionary leader whose resolve and integrity could have transformed the nation’s fight against galamsey.

“We have truly lost people with immense potential, people who could have altered the destiny of our country,” he remarked.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that Dr Omane Boamah would have solved this galamsey crisis.”

Recounting private discussions with the late minister, Mr Ablakwa said Dr Omane Boamah had made it clear he would deploy the military against illegal miners without bowing to political pressure.

“He told me, ‘The military will be deployed — I’m deploying them. I get calls, sometimes he would even show me who is calling — it could be national or regional executives — but I’m not listening to them.

"I will not engage in pretence. What we do behind closed doors must match what we say publicly. These troops are in harm’s way, risking their lives, and you expect us to cut political deals? No, I won’t be part of that.’”

According to Mr Ablakwa, Dr Omane Boamah had discussed this uncompromising stance directly with President John Dramani Mahama, who gave his full support.

“President Mahama told him, ‘You have my full blessings, go ahead,’” he revealed.

Dr Omane Boamah was among eight distinguished Ghanaians who lost their lives in the tragic military helicopter crash on 6 August in the Ashanti Region.