The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the government to account for progress made in the fight against illegal mining, a year after a military helicopter crash claimed the lives of eight people, including two ministers and a Defence Minister. The party made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, ahead of the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 tragedy.
Galamsey War and Helicopter Crash Investigation Demanded
The NPP joined the government, the Ghana Armed Forces, bereaved families and Ghanaians in commemorating the victims, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Mr Samuel Aboagye and three Ghana Armed Forces crew members. The party encouraged public participation in the nationwide blood donation exercise organised in their honour.
According to the statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the eight died while on a national mission to Obuasi to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s lands and water bodies. The NPP argued that the most meaningful way to honour their sacrifice was not only through memorial events but by demonstrating tangible progress in the anti-galamsey campaign.
Accountability Needed in the Anti-Galamsey Campaign
The NPP therefore urged the government to present evidence on the current state of the country’s rivers and water bodies, the extent of forest reserve restoration and the overall impact of efforts to curb illegal mining over the past year. The party also called for a comprehensive update on the official investigation into the helicopter crash, including its findings, safety recommendations and measures implemented to prevent a recurrence.
The party maintained that remembrance must be accompanied by accountability, pledging to continue demanding answers on both the anti-galamsey campaign and the circumstances surrounding the fatal mission. In a statement, General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong said, "The most meaningful way to honour their sacrifice was not only through memorial events but by demonstrating tangible progress in the anti-galamsey campaign."
Ghana Must Honour Their Sacrifice Through Responsible Leadership
The NPP concluded by praying for the souls of the eight victims to rest in peace and for Ghana to honour their sacrifice through responsible leadership and action. The party's call for accountability comes as Ghana continues to grapple with the effects of illegal mining, which has led to widespread environmental degradation and health concerns.
In the aftermath of the helicopter crash, the government launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. However, the NPP's demand for a comprehensive update on the investigation suggests that the party remains unsatisfied with the progress made so far. The NPP's call for accountability also highlights the need for the government to demonstrate tangible progress in the anti-galamsey campaign, a year after the tragedy.
As Ghana commemorates the first anniversary of the helicopter crash, the NPP's demand for answers serves as a reminder of the need for responsible leadership and action to address the country's environmental and social challenges. The party's pledge to continue demanding answers on both the anti-galamsey campaign and the circumstances surrounding the fatal mission underscores the importance of accountability in Ghana's governance.
Source: Joy Online
