Sam George Urges National Commitment to End Galamsey After Tragic Helicopter Crash

Deputy Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, is calling on both government and citizens to intensify efforts to eradicate illegal mining, commonly known in Ghana as *galamsey*.

His renewed appeal follows the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians, including his close friend and colleague, the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah.

In an interview on Tuesday, August 12, Mr. George described the incident as a profound national tragedy and a personal loss. However, he emphasized that the moment must serve as a wake-up call for decisive action.

“My belief and resolve in the fight against galamsey is as strong as ever,” he said. “I lost my big brother, Kofi Omane Boamah, and seven other sons of our land because of galamsey. The least we can do in their memory is to wage an all-out war against it.”

Mr. George noted that Dr. Boamah, despite his known fear of flying, chose to board the helicopter out of a deep sense of duty to the mission against illegal mining—an act that, according to him, underscores the urgency and importance of the cause.

He also revealed that he had been entrusted with leading a digital initiative aimed at combating galamsey and pledged to pursue the mandate with even greater determination.

Reflecting on the 2017 killing of Major Maxwell Mahama—a previous turning point that failed to spur lasting action—Mr. George warned that Ghana cannot afford to repeat past mistakes.

“We cannot wait for more lives to be lost before we act,” he stressed.

The fatal crash occurred in the Ashanti Region as the team was en route to Obuasi to launch a new phase of the government’s anti-galamsey operation.

Please dont forget to drop your comment aboout this story after reading.

Thank you.