Dr. Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, condemned politically exposed individuals involved in illegal mining (galamsey) following the tragic August 6, 2025, Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region, which killed eight, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, per Citi News. The group was en route to Obuasi for the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP) launch to combat galamsey.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on August 8, Ashigbey declared, “The blood of these eight is on your head,” urging galamsey financiers to repent and demanding stricter penalties beyond deportation, including fines and jail time. The deceased also included Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and military crew Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Preliminary reports suggest the helicopter lost radar contact, possibly due to poor weather, with remains sent to South Africa for DNA identification, per Ghana News Agency. Ashigbey called for national reflection and action to end galamsey, emphasizing accountability. The Ghana helicopter crash galamsey tragedy fuels demands for environmental reform. Stay updated on the Ghana helicopter crash galamsey probe and anti-galamsey efforts!
source: myjoyonline
