As the nation mourns the heartbreaking news of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including two sitting ministers, the Ghana Chamber of Mines is praying that this tragic incident will ultimately mark a turning point in the fight against illegal mining.
The prayer of the Chamber of Mines is the same for many concerned Ghanaians who believe that the loss should awaken a new spirit that will nip the menace in the bud.
In an emotional statement, the Chamber of Mines mourned the tragic deaths of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane-Boamah and Environment Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, among others, who were on a mission tied to efforts against illegal mining.
This menace, the Chamber agrees, has devastated Ghana’s forests, poisoned its rivers, and crippled legitimate mining operations.
The Chamber, which had worked closely with the two ministers in tackling the galamsey surge, noted that their “unwavering support was pivotal in safeguarding mining concessions, protecting water bodies, and enhancing the security of mining operations.”
“Their leadership and collaboration were foundational to the multi-stakeholder approach adopted to mitigate the impacts of illegal mining. Their absence will be profoundly felt, not only by the institutions they led but by all stakeholders dedicated to promoting sustainable and responsible mining in Ghana,” the chamber recounted.
The statement continued, “As we mourn their passing, the Ghana Chamber of Mines stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and the Government of Ghana. We remain committed to honouring their legacy by continuing our shared mission to protect the environment and enhance the security of our mining communities.”
But beyond recounting their achievements, the chamber is hoping their sacrifice does not go down the drain without delivering any impact on the mission for which they lost their lives.
“May the ultimate sacrifice of these eight gallant Ghanaians lead to an end to illegal and irresponsible mining,” parts of the statement cited by The High Street Journal read.
For years, illegal mining has thrived under the watch of successive governments, fueled by corruption, political compromise, and a lack of sustained commitment to enforcement.
The chamber believes that the late ministers were part of a renewed push to coordinate security, environmental protection, and community engagement in confronting the crisis head-on.
With their tragic passing in line of duty to fight the illegal mining menace, the Chamber says the nation is faced with a critical moral obligation. It anticipates that this loss will finally stir the political will needed to dismantle the networks that enable galamsey and ensure sustainable and responsible mining.
