Dr Ibn Chambas calls for sustainable mining as tribute to victims of helicopter crash

Gertrude Ankah Aug - 09 - 2025 , 18:44 3 minutes read

Former United Nations envoy to West Africa and the Sahel, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has described the recent military helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two government ministers, as “a very tragic event” that has shaken the entire nation.

Speaking on Saturday, August 9, Dr Chambas said the tragedy was one of those moments Ghanaians would remember vividly, recalling exactly where they were when the news broke. “At first, I didn’t want to believe it. Sadly, as the day advanced, it came to pass that our compatriots, our comrades, fell in the line of duty,” he said.

The victims — among them Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Murtala Mohammed — were travelling to the Ashanti region when the crash occurred. “They paid the ultimate price, serving their country,” Dr Chambas said, adding that the loss had united Ghanaians “across political divides and across the country.”

He welcomed the government’s declaration of three days of national mourning and the decision to grant the victims a state burial, calling the measures “appropriate and well deserved.” He also stressed the need to support the bereaved families, many of whom have lost young breadwinners.

Looking ahead, Dr Chambas urged that the tragedy be a rallying point for national action on critical issues, especially sustainable small-scale mining. “No one is against small-scale mining, but it must not irreparably destroy our environment and rivers. The greatest tribute we can pay to these gallant Ghanaians is to work towards sustainable solutions,” he said.

For his part, Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, urged the security agencies to intensify the fight against illegal small-scale mining, known locally as galamsey, and to hold accountable all individuals involved — including politicians.

“We need to start seeing action against politicians involved in galamsey. Enough is enough. Our security agencies must get to work,” Ashigbey said on TV3’s Key Points programme.

He added that the deaths of the eight victims should not be in vain: “My prayer is that the blood of these Ghanaians will not go in vain. This is the time for us to act.”

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed on Wednesday, August 6, that the crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Environment Minister Murtala Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed; and Samuel Aboagye, a former MP and Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The three crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — were also killed.

What some eyewitnesses saw before last Wednesday's military helicopter crash in Ghana [VIDEO]

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