Ghana: Chamber of Mines CEO Blames Politicians Involved In Illegal Mining For Deadly Helicopter Crash

Ken Ashigbey

Source: Africa Publicity

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Convener of the country’s Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Ken Ashigbey, has blamed Ghanaian politicians allegedly involved in illegal gold mining activities popularly known as galamsey for the military helicopter crash which killed eight Ghanaians including two ministers.

Mr. Ashigbey while speaking on local media outlet, CitiFM Eyewitness news on Friday, August 8, 2025, says the blood of the eight persons who died in the crash were on the heads of politically exposed persons who are allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in Ghana.

He has therefore urged well-meaning Ghanaians to turn their grief into action and demand real accountability in the fight against galamsey.

According to Mr. Ashigbey, merely crying for the victims was not sufficient as far as honoring their lives is concerned.

He says “I am appealing to the emotions of all of us Ghanaians that we should not just weep for this case and let it pass. We should channel that into positive action. This should be a point of reflection,” appealing to the Ghanaian government not to merely deport illegal miners, particularly foreign nationals, but to ensure they are prosecuted fully under Ghanaian law.

According to him, “We should not just deport galamseyers but make sure they pay fully for the fines stipulated and serve the full sentences that apply. We need to send a strong signal that Ghana is closing this criminal business.”

Mr. Ashigbey noted that “All of those politically exposed people who are involved in galamsey, the blood of these eight is on your head. You’d better have a change of heart, repent, and step out of it. Enough is enough.”

The helicopter crash, which happened on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of Ghana’s Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who were known for their firm stance against illegal mining.

The other six persons killed in the crash were Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC. The military crew Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah also perished.

A preliminary report has revealed that the officials were aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter en route to Obuasi, a region noted for illegal mining activity, when the aircraft went off radar.