Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr Nii Moi Thompson
Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr Nii Moi Thompson, has urged the government to intensify its fight against illegal mining (galamsey) as a lasting tribute to the eight people killed in the August 6 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
The victims, including senior government officials and security personnel were reportedly en route to Obuasi to launch the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme, aimed at helping illegal miners adopt responsible and sustainable practices.
Speaking to Citi News on Monday, August 11, 2025, after signing the book of condolences at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters, Dr. Thompson stressed that the best way to honour the deceased is through decisive action against galamsey.
“They were flying there as part of efforts to fight galamsey. The most befitting tribute to their memory is to decisively eliminate the menace. We cannot shed crocodile tears, we must work hard to ensure they did not die in vain,” he said.
Those killed in the crash included Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, along with three crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
A state funeral for the victims will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Black Star Square in Accra.
