Stop galamsey now is the best tribute for helicopter victims – Tony Aidoo

Former Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. Tony Aidoo, has urged President John Mahama to take decisive action against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

He said the most fitting tribute to the eight people who perished in last Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Dr. Aidoo said the victims, including two cabinet ministers, died in the line of duty while travelling to launch a government initiative aimed at tackling the menace of galamsey. He stressed that their sacrifice should not be in vain.

“In fact, my first reaction after the Chief of Staff gave us the details and confirmed the death was to send the message directly to President Mahama, and I said these eight patriotic souls lost their lives in the fight against galamsey. So for God’s sake, Mr. President, don’t let them die in vain. Stop the galamsey now. That’s the best tribute we can say to these patriotic deaths,” he said.

The fatal crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. The three crew members who also died were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Dr. Aidoo revealed that his grief was heightened by his personal ties to three of the victims. “To be frank, I had a personal connection with only three of the unfortunate victims of the helicopter crash — Dr. Omane Boamah, Dr. Sarpong, and Dr. Murtala Mohammed. The last time I spoke to Dr. Omane Boamah was about a month ago. Anytime I remember the departed, usually with teary eyes, but I am not here to eulogise nor to pay another apologetic tribute,” he added.

He emphasised that the government must demonstrate true commitment to the fight against illegal mining by taking immediate steps to end the practice. According to him, doing so would not only honour the memory of the deceased but also safeguard the environment and protect the livelihoods of communities across Ghana.

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The helicopter crash occurred on August 6, 2025, in the Ashanti Region, claiming the lives of all eight people on board during a mission tied to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).