NPP demands update on galamsey fight, helicopter crash probe ahead of first anniversary of tragedy

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) called on the government on Wednesday, August 5, ahead of the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 tragedy, to account for progress made in the fight against illegal mining and provide an update on investigations into the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people a year ago. The NPP joined the government, the Ghana Armed Forces, bereaved families, and Ghanaians in commemorating the victims, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Mr Samuel Aboagye, and three Ghana Armed Forces crew members.

According to the statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the eight died while on a national mission to Obuasi to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana's lands and water bodies. The NPP encouraged public participation in the nationwide blood donation exercise organised in their honour. The party urged the government to present evidence on the current state of the country's rivers and water bodies, the extent of forest reserve restoration, and the overall impact of efforts to curb illegal mining over the past year. It also called for a comprehensive update on the official investigation into the helicopter crash, including its findings, safety recommendations, and measures implemented to prevent a recurrence.