In a deeply poignant statement following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed eight lives — including the Ministers for Defence and Environment — Dr. Kingsley Agyemang (MP, Abuakwa South) has called for a resolute and unwavering response to illegal mining (galamsey), grounded in the same urgency as national mourning.
Dr. Agyemang, who mourned the loss of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed — both of whom were onboard the ill-fated flight headed to lead anti-galamsey initiatives — emphasized the ultimate sacrifice these officials made in service of the nation.
He urged:
“If these gallant men were on their way to confront the scourge of illegal mining, then the fight against galamsey must now assume the same urgency with which we respond to death itself.”
His remarks reflect not just sorrow, but also resolve, as he emphasized that “we owe them more than tributes; we owe them commitment and action.”
This call to action comes amid rising public outcry and mounting pressure from civil society groups seeking more aggressive enforcement against galamsey — including demands for a declaration of state emergency in mining zones and the revocation of instrumental legal protections that enable illegal mining activities.
In highlighting the ministry-level losses tied to this unrest, Dr. Agyemang frames galamsey not merely as an environmental concern, but as a national security and governance issue deserving of immediate and unwavering response.