Former Ghanaian diplomat and veteran politician, Dr. Tony Aidoo, has called on President John Mahama to ensure that the deaths of eight Ghanaians in Wednesday’s helicopter crash reignite the nation’s fight against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
Speaking on Newsfile, Dr. Aidoo emphasised that the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and their colleagues were on an environmental protection mission when tragedy struck.
“After the Chief of Staff gave us the details and confirmed, the first thing I did was send the best direct to President Mahama, and I said these eight patriotic souls lost their lives in the fight against galamsey. So, for God’s sake, Mr. President, don’t let them die in vain. Stop the galamsey now,” Dr. Aidoo urged.
The Ghana Armed Forces helicopter, carrying senior government officials and three Air Force crew members, crashed in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region while en route to Obuasi for the launch of a responsible mining initiative.
Dr. Aidoo urged the President to rally security agencies, environmental regulators, and local communities in a united effort to end the menace, warning that the environmental and social consequences of inaction would be irreversible.
The eight victims of the August 6 crash included Dr. Omane Boamah; Murtala Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong; Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, former MP and NDC Vice Chairman; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
