Omanghana
The most meaningful tribute Ghana can pay to the late Defense Minister, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and the seven others who died alongside him is to decisively win the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
That message has featured prominently in statements from political leaders, civil society organizations and media outlets marking the first anniversary of the military helicopter crash that occurred on August 6, 2025.
The eight victims died in the Ashanti Region while travelling to Obuasi on an official assignment connected to the launch of the Responsible Community Mining and Skills Development Program.
Those who lost their lives were Defense Minister Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna; National Democratic Congress Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong; and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
The three crew members were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
One year after the national tragedy, calls have intensified for the government to move beyond public declarations and enforce Ghana’s mining and environmental laws without political interference, favoritism or fear.
Political commentators and civil society advocates argue that the sacrifice of the eight public servants must inspire stronger measures to protect the country’s rivers, forests and agricultural lands. They maintain that restoring polluted water bodies and ending destructive mining practices would provide a lasting memorial to those who died while undertaking a mission linked to responsible mining.
Media editorials have also urged the state to protect security agencies and regulators from political pressure that could undermine enforcement operations. Traditional leaders, metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies, as well as residents of mining communities, have been encouraged to take greater responsibility for safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources.
The renewed campaign also calls for the arrest and prosecution of illegal miners, financiers and politically connected individuals involved in destructive activities, irrespective of their affiliations or social standing.
President John Dramani Mahama and other senior government officials have reiterated their commitment to confronting the galamsey crisis with urgency. They have described the campaign as a national responsibility that must rise above partisan politics.
As Ghana remembers the eight victims, the anniversary has become more than a moment of mourning. It has renewed demands for decisive and sustained action to ensure that their final assignment contributes to cleaner rivers, protected communities and a more responsible mining industry.
For many Ghanaians, defeating galamsey would be the clearest demonstration that the lives and service of the eight fallen officials and military personnel have not been forgotten.
Source: Omanghana
