Ken Ashigbey, convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has called for uncompromising action to eradicate illegal mining in Ghana, saying the tragic deaths of eight people in last week’s military helicopter crash must spur decisive change.
Ken Ashigbey described the incident as a national turning point that should galvanise “real and ruthless” measures against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
“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 said.
He also took aim at politically connected individuals allegedly complicit in 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,” Ashigbey declared.
The media advocate urged the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to apply the law in full, ensuring that both local and foreign illegal miners serve their sentences and pay all fines mandated under Ghanaian law.
The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, killing high-ranking government officials including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Also among the victims were Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The victims were reportedly en route to Obuasi aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter when the aircraft lost contact and went off radar. Their remains have been sent to South Africa for DNA testing to aid identification.
An interdenominational state funeral for the eight is scheduled for Friday, August 15.
