The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the government to account for progress made in the fight against illegal mining and provide an update on investigations into the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people a year ago.

The party made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, ahead of the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 tragedy.

The NPP joined the government, the Ghana Armed Forces, bereaved families and Ghanaians in commemorating the victims, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Mr Samuel Aboagye and three Ghana Armed Forces crew members.

The party also encouraged public participation in the nationwide blood donation exercise organised in their honour.

According to the statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the eight died while on a national mission to Obuasi to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s lands and water bodies.

It argued that the most meaningful way to honour their sacrifice was not only through memorial events but by demonstrating tangible progress in the anti-galamsey campaign.

The NPP therefore urged the government to present evidence on the current state of the country’s rivers and water bodies, the extent of forest reserve restoration and the overall impact of efforts to curb illegal mining over the past year.

It also called for a comprehensive update on the official investigation into the helicopter crash, including its findings, safety recommendations and measures implemented to prevent a recurrence.

The party maintained that remembrance must be accompanied by accountability, pledging to continue demanding answers on both the anti-galamsey campaign and the circumstances surrounding the fatal mission.

It concluded by praying for the souls of the eight victims to rest in peace and for Ghana to honour their sacrifice through responsible leadership and action.