Mahama Must Crush Galamsey Before It Wipes Out His Cabinet – Dr Tony Aidoo
Former Ambassador Dr Tony Aidoo has issued a blunt warning to President John Mahama, urging immediate action to end illegal mining before it claims more high-profile lives.
Former Ghanaian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr Tony Aidoo, has delivered a stern warning to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to take decisive action against illegal mining popularly known as galamsey before it causes further tragedy at the highest levels of government.
Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, August 9, Dr Aidoo drew a direct connection between the government’s anti-galamsey campaign and last Wednesday’s fatal military helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom, which killed eight people, including two cabinet ministers.
“I had personal ties with three of the victims Dr Omane Boamah, Dr Samuel Sarpong, and Dr Murtala Mohammed. This is not just about mourning; it’s about confronting the avoidable circumstances that led to their deaths,” he said. “These were not acts of God. They were consequences of human failings.”
The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three crew members Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
“Why were they in the air? Because they were headed to tackle the galamsey menace. President Mahama must kill galamsey before it kills his members,” Dr Aidoo stressed, adding that the most meaningful tribute to the victims would be immediate action to halt the illegal mining industry.
He also referenced a recent proposal by veteran public servant Kwame Mpianim, who suggested imposing a three-month nationwide ban on galamsey as an emergency measure.
“God gives, yes, but God does not take innocent lives,” Dr Aidoo remarked. “Lives are lost because of our choices, our negligence, and our inaction. The time to act is now.”
