The Member of Parliament for Akim Abuakwa South, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, has issued a compelling call for a heightened sense of urgency and a cohesive national awakening to intensify efforts against illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
This urgent appeal comes in the wake of the tragic helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, that claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others, including key government officials and military personnel, who were en route to Obuasi for a government program targeting galamsey eradication.
In a heartfelt and strongly worded statement, Dr. Agyemang underscored the critical importance of matching the urgency with which the nation mourns such tragedies to the intensity needed in the battle against illegal mining.
He remarked, “If these gallant men were on their way to confront the scourge of illegal mining, then the fight against galamsey must now assume the same urgency with which we respond to national crises and loss of life.” His message was a call not only for condolences but for a transformational response anchored in national commitment and collective action.
Reflecting on the sacrifice of those who lost their lives quietly serving the nation, Dr. Agyemang emphasized the profound risks that public servants face daily—risks often unseen but brutal in their outcomes. He stated, “This painful moment reminds us of the quiet risks borne each day by those who serve our country. Their sacrifice, though often unseen, is real—and in this instance, ultimate.
We owe them more than tributes; we owe them commitment and action.” Drawing a personal connection, he revealed that the late Defence Minister was his senior at Pope John Senior High School, sharing a prayerful wish for the eternal rest of all victims while hoping their sacrifices catalyze stronger national resolve against the illegal mining menace.
The helicopter crash that precipitated this call happened as the Ghana Armed Forces’ Z9 helicopter was transporting the team to an official event in Obuasi aligned with government efforts to tackle illegal mining challenges head-on.
Besides Dr. Boamah and Minister Muhammed, the tragic accident claimed the lives of Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three crew members of the Ghana Armed Forces.
This catastrophe marks a solemn moment for Ghana, highlighting the dangers faced by those dedicated to protecting the nation’s resources and environment.
Dr. Agyemang’s appeal for renewed determination stresses that the loss of these dedicated leaders must inspire a more vigorous and unified approach to end galamsey once and for all, transforming grief into motivated action for sustainable national development and environmental preservation.
