Ghana's anti‑galamsey drive scrutinized one year after helicopter crash

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) marked the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash that killed eight officials, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, by urging the government to provide a detailed account of progress against illegal mining (galamsey). The party called for data on river health, forest‑reserve conditions, land‑reclamation efforts and the findings of the crash investigation, saying measurable results would best honour the victims.

Chamber of Mines Executive Director Kenneth Ashigbey, speaking on Ghanaian television, warned that illegal mining remains unchecked a year later. He cited visible operations in Apedwa, along the Bunso‑Anyinam road and around Lake Bosomtwe, and criticised enforcement despite the work of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the National Anti‑Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). Ashigbey urged stronger action to deter miners and questioned why identified offenders have not been arrested.