Tribute to John Owusu

The news that Mr. John Owusu, the Public Affairs Manager, of Anglo-Gold Ashanti has died, is shocking and heartbreaking.

He was said to have met his tragic death after a vehicle belonging to the company ran over him during a swoop on galamsey operators on Anglogold Ashanti concession at Obuasi, in the Ashanti Region last, Saturday.

According to information gathered by the Times, the late John Owusu, was in the company of other officials of the company to arrest the illegal miners, but the “galamseyers” chased the security men including workers of Anglogold and in a bid to escape, the vehicle ran over him.

The Times, just like many others, is heartbroken over the death of John Owusu, who dedicated almost his entire working life to working as a public relations practitioner for the 118 years old mine.

For many, who may not know him closely, John, by his wit, also dedicated himself to fighting the galamsey menance in and around Obuasi, for many years.

He helped to expose the illegal activity in the area by constantly exposing their activities to enable the security swoop on the illegal miners.

His untimely tragic death, therefore, is a big blow to the fight against the menace and a setback for Anglogold mining activities in the area. It is hard to believe that he is no more.

The death of John clearly exposes the economic and security danger that the illegal miners pose to the country.

It is, a shame that the country would lose one of its astute and dedicated practitioners in such a gruesome and painful manner.

Perhaps, if the security services were playing their roles effectively, arresting and punishing the galamseyers, we may not be mourning a selfless Ghanaian like John.

Our tongues are tied and we are still asking questions as to why he had to die in such a manner.

Among several things, John will be remembered for his enduring commitment to the fight against galamsey and his courageous heart in going into the field to support the security in their activities.

We pay tribute to John and are united in our grief and memories of his incredible passion to duty.

Indeed, for him to die in line of duty, speaks volumes of his enduring commitment for which he will not be forgotten.

Fare thee well, John Owusu.