'Failure to stop galamsey will make August 6 deaths meaningless' — Solomon Owusu
The National Communications Director of the United Party, Solomon Owusu, has said the deaths of the eight people who perished in the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash would be in vain if Ghana fails to win the fight against illegal mining.
Thursday, August 6, marked exactly one year since two ministers of state and six others lost their lives in the crash while travelling to Obuasi to launch a small-scale mining initiative aimed at tackling illegal mining.
Speaking on the sidelines of an interfaith memorial service held in honour of the victims, Mr. Owusu urged the government to demonstrate the political will needed to eradicate galamsey, regardless of the individuals involved.
"We have lose eight gallant Ghanaians, and galamsey is still persistent. I believe that it is political will, and we must move regardless of whoever is involved to deal with the issue of galamsey," he said.
Mr. Owusu cautioned that if decisive action is not taken, the country could suffer similar tragedies in the future.
He also called on the media to continue reminding those in authority of the sacrifices made by the victims in the course of efforts to combat illegal mining.
"Their death will be meaningless unless until we are able to deal constructively with issues of galamsey. Remember, we lost Major Mahama at Denkyira," he stated.
The UP spokesperson stressed that the memories of the eight victims should serve as a constant reminder of the need for sustained and uncompromising action against illegal mining.