The Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs has called on the government to take decisive and sustained action against illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—as a lasting tribute to the eight individuals who lost their lives in the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash.
The victims were en route to Obuasi to participate in a high-level anti-galamsey programme when their aircraft went down, claiming the lives of senior political figures, security personnel, and public servants committed to the fight against the destructive practice.
After signing the book of condolence at the Ministry of Defence, the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Nii Odaifio Welentse III, emphasised that the most meaningful way to honour the victims’ memory was to carry forward the mission they had set out to accomplish.
“If we cannot deal with this holistically, once and for all, then these gallant soldiers died for nothing. We should all rise and deal with galamsey,” Nii Odaifio declared, warning that half-hearted measures would diminish the significance of their sacrifice.
The House of Chiefs paid tribute to the eight victims, describing them as men of integrity who had served Ghana with distinction and dedication:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister of Communications and Digitalisation
- Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (MP) – Deputy Minister of Energy
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna – Former Minister of Food and Agriculture
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Former Central Regional Minister
- Mr. Samuel Aboagye – Forestry Commission official
- Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Two of the victims, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, were laid to rest on Sunday, August 10, in accordance with Islamic rites. The remaining six will be buried on Friday, August 15, 2025, in a state-assisted ceremony expected to draw dignitaries, service personnel, and members of the public.
Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges, causing widespread destruction of farmlands, contamination of water bodies, and loss of livelihoods. The House of Chiefs stressed that eliminating galamsey would not only safeguard the nation’s resources but also serve as a powerful testament to the sacrifice made by those who died in the crash.
