The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, has called on the government to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining (galamsey) as a lasting tribute to the eight people who died in the August 6 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.

The victims, including senior government officials and security personnel, were reportedly on an official mission to Obuasi to launch the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme aimed at encouraging illegal miners to adopt responsible and sustainable mining practices.

Speaking to Citi News on Monday, August 11, after signing the book of condolences at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters, Dr. Thompson emphasised that the most fitting way to honour the deceased is to confront the menace of galamsey with urgency and resolve.

“They were flying there as part of efforts to fight galamsey. The most befitting tribute to their memory is to decisively eliminate the galamsey menace. We cannot shed crocodile tears — we must work hard to ensure they did not die in vain,” he stressed.

The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong.

Also among the deceased were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

A state funeral for the victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.