Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Inusah Fuseini, has urged Ghanaians to renew their commitment to sustainable and responsible mining as a way of honouring the memory of those who perished in the August 6 military helicopter crash.

The former Tamale Central MP said the most fitting tribute to the late officials was not only to mourn them but to continue the fight against illegal and destructive mining with greater determination.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, August 18, Mr Fuseini stressed that the legacy of the fallen leaders must be tied to a stronger resolve to protect Ghana’s environment.

“For us, an honour to their lasting memory is to ensure that we work hard — harder than before — to get the people who have decided that they will mine in the soils for the ore to do that in an environmentally friendly manner and to do that sustainably. That will be a lasting tribute to their name,” he said.

The crash claimed the lives of eight prominent figures, including 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; NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong; Deputy NADMO Director-General Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The victims were travelling to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region to participate in an anti-galamsey campaign when the tragedy struck.

Mr Fuseini noted that their mission underlined the seriousness of the fight against illegal mining and urged leaders to carry it forward.

“If we want to truly keep their memory alive, then we must make sure the vision they stood for — sustainable mining — is realised,” he added.