In the wake of the tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of eight individuals, including key government officials, Dr Ken Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has chastised politically exposed individuals involved in illegal mining activities.
The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
Among the deceased were Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Defence Minister, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Environment Minister—both staunch advocates against illegal mining practices.
They were accompanied by Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC.
Tragically, the military crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, also lost their lives in the crash.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on August 8, Dr Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, called for a shift from mourning to meaningful action to tackle illegal mining (galamsey).
The deceased persons were on their way to the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP) in Obuasi to address illegal mining.
“All of those politically exposed people who are involved in galamsey, the blood of these eight is on your head. You’d better have a change of heart, repent, and step out of it. Enough is enough,” he declared, underscoring the moral implications of their involvement in illegal mining operations.
“I am appealing to the emotions of all of us Ghanaians that we should not just weep for this case and let it pass. We should channel that into positive action. This should be a point of reflection,” he emphasised, urging citizens to demand genuine accountability in the fight against galamsey (illegal mining).
Dr Ashigbey criticised the government’s approach to dealing with illegal miners, emphasising that mere deportation is insufficient. “We should not just deport galamseyers but make sure they pay fully for the fines stipulated and serve the full sentences that apply. We need to send a strong signal that Ghana is closing this criminal business,” he asserted.
Preliminary reports indicate that the officials were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi, a well-known hotspot for illegal mining activities, when the aircraft lost radar contact.
Due to the condition of the remains, samples have been sent to South Africa for DNA testing to assist in identification.
The tragedy has reignited discussions around the dangers posed by illegal mining and the urgent need for decisive action from both government officials and the public.
As the country reflects on this devastating loss, Dr Ashigbey’s call for accountability and reform resonates louder than ever, highlighting the critical intersection of governance and environmental stewardship in Ghana.
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