Former Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr Tony Aidoo, says the most fitting tribute to the eight people who died in last Wednesday’s helicopter crash is for President John Mahama to end illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, August 9, Dr Aidoo said the victims, including two cabinet ministers, lost their lives in the line of duty as they travelled to launch a government initiative to tackle galamsey. He stressed that their deaths must not be in vain.

“In fact, my first reaction after the Chief of Staff gave us the details and confirmed the death was to send the message directly to President Mahama, and I said these eight patriotic souls lost their lives in the fight against galamsey.

"So for God’s sake, Mr President, don’t let them die in vain. Stop the galamsey now. That’s the best tribute we can say to these patriotic deaths,” the former Senior Presidential Aide stated.

The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong. The three crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. Dr Murtala Mohammed was also among the victims.

Dr Aidoo said his connection with the tragedy was personal. “To be frank, I had a personal connection with only three of the unfortunate victims of the helicopter crash – Dr Omane Boamah, Dr Sarpong, and Dr Murtala Mohammed.

"The last time I spoke to Dr Omane Boamah was about a month ago. Anytime I remember the departed, usually with teary eyes, but I am not here to eulogise nor to pay another apologetic tribute.”

He described the incident as an “avoidable national tragedy” and questioned why such a mission was necessary in the first place.

“Why were they in the air? They were in the air because they were going to fight galamsey. I’m glad to know that everyone who has come to comment on this incident – Kwame Mpianim, Ken Ashigbey, even those in your studio right now – some of the comments have been that it is about time to bring this galamsey menace to an end. President Mahama must kill the galamsey menace before it ends his members [of cabinet].”

The former presidential aide challenged the view that the tragedy was simply God’s will.

“God gives, yes, but God does not take innocent lives. People die by their own destruction or by lifestyle.”

Dr Aidoo urged urgent and decisive action from the President.

“People say impose an emergency executive order, yesterday, I heard Kwame Mpianim say we must ban galamsey for three months. What is President Mahama waiting for?”

He concluded that stopping galamsey immediately would be the ultimate honour to the victims’ sacrifice.