The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has urged the government to move beyond commemorative ceremonies and provide the nation with concrete results in the fight against illegal mining, the mission the eight departed Ghanaians were undertaking when they lost their lives exactly one year ago today.
In a press statement signed by the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party called on the government to account for measurable progress in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, following the deaths of eight public servants in a military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
The statement recalled that a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter en route to Obuasi crashed in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region, killing all eight people on board. The victims included the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Others include the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; Dr. Samuel Sarpong; Mr. Samuel Aboagye; and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel who were operating the aircraft.
The NPP described the tragedy as one of the most painful losses in Ghana’s recent history, noting that the victims died while serving the Republic.
The party acknowledged the government’s programme of activities marking the first anniversary of the disaster, including the memorial lecture held on August 4, the National Inter-Faith Memorial Service, the unveiling of the memorial cenotaph, and the nationwide blood donation exercise, describing the remembrance as important and deserving of national participation.
Grief Has No Party Colours
The NPP said it joined the government, the Ghana Armed Forces, the bereaved families, and all Ghanaians in mourning the departed, stressing that the tragedy transcended political differences.
“The New Patriotic Party joins the Government, the Ghana Armed Forces, the bereaved families and all Ghanaians in mourning and in tribute, we say without reservation, their deaths were a loss to the whole Republic, and their families’ grief is Ghana’s grief”.
General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong
The party commended Ghanaians participating in the week’s commemorative activities and encouraged citizens to support the nationwide blood donation exercise, describing it as “a fitting and life-giving tribute” to those who died in service to the nation.
However, the NPP argued that memorial lectures, wreath-laying ceremonies, and other commemorative events would be incomplete if the mission that claimed the lives of the victims remains unfinished.
“The truest tribute to the departed is not a wreath or a lecture. It is results in the cause for which they gave their lives,” the statement continued. According to the party, one year after the tragedy, the government owes Ghanaians a clear account of the progress made in combating illegal mining.
The statement noted that illegal mining remains a major national challenge, with civil society organisations, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders continuing to call for stronger enforcement and the restoration of degraded forests and polluted water bodies.
NPP Demands Accountability Beyond Remembrance
The NPP outlined specific areas where it expects the government to provide answers. First, it called for an evidence-based assessment of the country’s environmental recovery.
“What is the state of our rivers and water bodies today compared to one year ago? How many forest reserves remain under assault, and how many have been reclaimed?” the party asked.
The NPP said these questions reflect longstanding public concern over the effectiveness of anti-galamsey interventions. It noted that despite various government initiatives, including task forces, community mining programmes, and presidential directives, reports of polluted rivers and encroached forest reserves continue to emerge.
According to the party, the government should present measurable evidence demonstrating that the sacrifices of the departed eight have contributed to meaningful progress in protecting Ghana’s natural environment. Secondly, the NPP called for greater transparency regarding the official investigation into the helicopter crash.
“The nation is equally entitled to a full update on the official investigation into the crash itself, its findings, the safety recommendations made, and the measures taken to protect all who serve and travel in the service of the Republic, so that no family endures such a loss again”.
General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong
The party argued that providing an update on the investigation is important not only for the families of the victims but also for improving the safety of all public servants who undertake official assignments on behalf of the state.
Party Pledges Continued Oversight
The NPP pledged to continue demanding accountability both in Parliament and in the public domain until satisfactory answers are provided on the fight against illegal mining and the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash.
It concluded its statement by praying for the souls of the departed and extending condolences to their families. “May the souls of the Departed Eight rest in perfect peace.”
The party observed that the first anniversary of the tragedy comes at a time when Ghanaians are demanding greater accountability on governance, environmental protection, and public sector safety.
According to the NPP, the most meaningful tribute to the departed would not be ceremonies alone, but tangible outcomes reflected in cleaner rivers, restored forests, stronger enforcement against illegal mining, and improved safety measures for public servants.
The party maintained that it would continue to press the government in Parliament and before the Ghanaian people for answers on both the fight against illegal mining and the official investigation into the crash, insisting that the best way to honour the victims is to complete the work they lost their lives pursuing.
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