Yesterday, Ghana paused to remember eight distinguished compatriots who lost their lives in the tragic Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. The National Inter-Faith Memorial Service offered the nation an opportunity not only to mourn, but also to reflect on the sacrifice of public servants who died in the line of duty.
The helicopter crashed in a dense forest near Sikaman, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, while travelling from Accra to Obuasi. According to the official investigation, the accident was caused by adverse weather conditions and sudden environmental downdrafts encountered in a difficult terrain.
Their deaths were particularly heart-breaking because they were travelling to Obuasi to launch the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), an official government event aimed at strengthening the fight against illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey. Their mission underscored the government’s commitment to addressing one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges, making the tragedy even more poignant.
Among those who perished were the Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah; the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; the Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; the National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Samuel Sarpong; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; pilot Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Chronicle commends the State for organising the memorial service to honour these gallant sons of the nation. It has often been said that a nation which does not honour its heroes is not worthy of their sacrifice. By remembering these men, Ghana has demonstrated that public service and patriotism are values that deserve recognition long after death.
However, we are of the opinion that memorials should not become mere annual ceremonies. The greatest tribute the nation can pay to the departed is to pursue with renewed determination the mission they were undertaking when tragedy struck.
One year after the crash, the fight against illegal mining continues to present enormous challenges. Although successive governments have announced several interventions, the destruction of forests, rivers and farmlands remains widespread. Water bodies continue to be polluted with hazardous chemicals, while large tracts of forest reserves have been degraded. The environmental and economic consequences of this menace are too severe to ignore.
The Chronicle believes that the anniversary of this national tragedy should mark a turning point in Ghana’s campaign against galamsey. The State must move beyond declarations and intensify enforcement without fear or favour. Illegal mining must be confronted irrespective of the political, economic or social status of those involved. Selective enforcement only undermines public confidence and emboldens offenders.
Security agencies must be adequately resourced and insulated from interference to enable them discharge their mandate effectively. Traditional authorities, local assemblies, civil society organisations and communities must also play active roles in protecting the country’s natural resources. The fight against galamsey cannot be won by government alone, it requires a united national effort.
Ghanaians have witnessed numerous promises over the years, yet the environmental destruction persists. The memory of the eight lives lost in service to the nation should inspire a renewed sense of urgency and commitment. Their sacrifice must not be allowed to fade into history without meaningful action.
As we honour their memory today, we must also renew our resolve to safeguard Ghana’s forests, rivers and future generations. There can be no sustainable national development if our natural environment continues to be sacrificed on the altar of illegal mining. Ghana must demonstrate, through deeds rather than words that the lives lost in pursuit of a cleaner and safer environment were not in vain.
The time for decisive action is now!
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