The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to take a firm and uncompromising stance against illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, in Ghana. The call follows the tragic helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of eight individuals, including top government officials.
According to the Golden Stool occupant, the loss of these lives during a mission linked to the fight against galamsey should serve as a wake-up call for decisive action. He emphasized that the tragedy must be channelled into a determined campaign to eliminate illegal mining across the country.
Otumfuo made the remarks during a meeting with Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, urging that the pain and grief from the crash be transformed into concrete measures to make galamsey a thing of the past.
The helicopter disaster claimed the lives of Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manden Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Otumfuo stressed that the deaths must not be in vain and that Ghana must intensify efforts to combat galamsey, highlighting the broader implications for environmental preservation, national security, and the protection of human lives.
