The helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians including two cabinet ministers on August 6, 2025, has triggered renewed calls for President John Mahama to end illegal mining otherwise known as galamsey.
The Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 military helicopter went down at the Adansi Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region.
On board the helicopter were Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Former Ashanti Regional Minister, Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Deputy National Security Coordinator.
Nigel, Owusu Bempah, Roja and More: The prophets who prophesied about ‘Black Wednesday’
Also on board were three crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
In the wake of the tragedy, three notable personalities have urged the president to make the fight against galamsey a national priority.
Here are the three notable people who have asked Mahama to end illegal mining amid the helicopter crash.
Dr Tony Aidoo
The former Ghanaian Ambassador to the Netherlands has called on Mahama to ensure that the sacrifice of the patriots who perished en route to Obuasi for a conference on illegal mining, should ignite a renewed call and determination to end galamsey.
Ras Mubarak
The former Kumbungu MP believes ending illegal mining would be the most fitting tribute to the victims of the helicopter crash. He has set a symbolic deadline, urging the government to achieve it before the one-year anniversary of the deadly crash.
Kwame Jantuah
A legal practitioner and senior member of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), Jantuah says the tragedy should be a turning point in Ghanas battle against galamsey, pushing for its total eradication.
These appeals add to growing public pressure for decisive action against illegal mining, a menace blamed for environmental and water destruction.
Preliminary report on helicopter crash expected within a month – AIB Commissioner
MRA/VPO
‘Last Wave’: Defence Press Corps captures Dr Omane Boamah’s final assignment