The Central Regional Peace Council has said Wednesday’s helicopter crash that killed eight prominent Ghanaians is a stark reminder of the existential threat illegal mining posed to Ghana’s progress and development.
The Council emphasised that illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” significantly undermined the country’s environmental health, social stability and economic foundations.
The deceased included Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Defence Minister, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Environment Minister and Mr Samuel Sarpong, First Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress.
The others are Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Mr Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
They were on their way to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP) in Obuasi, in the Ashanti Region.
The new programme seeks to build on the strengths and lessons of the Community Mining Scheme and the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme.

Offering condolences to the grieving families and the nation, Mr Charles Amoh, Regional Secretary to the Council, described the incident as “deeply regrettable national tragedy” and stressed that “illegal mining must be tamed.”
Mr Amoh could not comprehend why a country once celebrated for its gold reserves and rich natural vegetation beauty, was grappling with an existential threat of illegal mining.
He said rivers once vital for agriculture, fishing, and drinking had turned toxic, forests that sheltered countless species had been decimated with local communities suffering various health problems.
While calling for support to end the menace of illegal mining, he said “the menace may yield short-term gain, but it steals the nation’s future.
“It’s destroying our forests, poisoning our waters and destroying the very land that feeds and sustains Ghana. True wealth lies in preserving our heritage, not plundering it,” Mr Amoh declared.
He noted that the overwhelming and heartfelt global tributes served as a profound testament to the extraordinary dedication, unwavering commitment and impactful contributions of the deceased.
Such recognitions, he said, highlighted the invaluable legacy the deceased had left marked by hard work, integrity and a spirit worthy of admiration and emulation by future generations.
Furthermore, Mr Amoh commended President John Dramani Mahama for his decisive and compassionate leadership in declaring a three-day state mourning, acknowledging that this gesture did not only honour the memory of the departed but also unified the nation in a period of mourning and reflection.
He urged that the period must be used as a moment to celebrate the life and achievements of the deceased to inspire others to carry forward their exemplary principles and dedication to service.
However, he urged Ghanaians to live in peace, emphasising tolerance, cooperation and unity as foundations for the country’s stability and development.
He encouraged the citizenry  to work together in unity, respect each other’s differences, and promote peace across all communities.