Editorial Comments by Connectghananews.com
The air in Ghana still hangs heavy with the tragic memory of eight government officials, whose lives were abruptly and cruelly cut short in a military plane crash. They were on a crucial mission, a mission to confront the destructive menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. Their sacrifice, an indelible mark on our nation’s history, demands more than just mourning; it demands decisive, unwavering action.
Today, Connectghananews.com, a dedicated platform committed to professional journalism and the voice of the people, lends its full weight to the urgent call made by a respected and distinguished figure, Dr. Godfred Andoh. As the Chief Executive Officer of St. Georgina Healthcare & Consultancy, Dr. Andoh has issued an impassioned plea: that the government must deploy every conceivable means to eradicate galamsey, not merely as a policy objective, but as a solemn honor to the eight officials who paid the ultimate price.
We unequivocally endorse Dr. Andoh’s powerful demand. And in doing so, we are not alone. Since Connectghananews.com first broke Dr. Andoh’s story (easily verifiable by searching “illegal mining” on our website or Opera News Kingam page), our social media channels have been awash with an unprecedented outpouring of public support. The reactions are clear, unambiguous, and resonate deeply across the nation: Ghanaians are united in their demand for an immediate and comprehensive end to galamsey. Our phone lines, too, have been buzzing with calls from chiefs, religious leaders, politicians, and ordinary citizens, all commending Dr. Andoh for articulating this vital national sentiment.
The message is stark and simple: life is precious. The untimely and tragic deaths of these eight public servants – who stood at the frontline of protecting our environment and our future – must serve as a profound catalyst. We condemn any and all political considerations that might impede the abolition of these destructive activities. The devastation wrought by galamsey on our lands, our water bodies, and the health of our communities far transcends partisan divides. It is a national crisis demanding a national, unified response.
The memory of the eight deceased will forever be etched into the annals of our country. But memory alone is insufficient. The only fitting, lasting tribute – the only true “memorial” – is the complete cessation of galamsey operations, precisely as Dr. Godfred Andoh has so forcefully articulated.
This, we firmly believe, presents an unparalleled opportunity for President John Dramani Mahama and the government of the National Democratic Congress. To crush galamsey from the Ghanaian society now, using the impetus of this tragic sacrifice, would not only honour the fallen but would also cement an everlasting legacy of courageous leadership, environmental stewardship, and a profound commitment to the well-being of all Ghanaians. The time for deliberation is over. The time for decisive action, for the sake of our heroes and our nation, is now.
