Former Senior Presidential Aide and ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr Tony Aidoo, says the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers and six others was an avoidable national tragedy, not an act of God.

Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, August 9, Dr Aidoo dismissed the popular sentiment that “the Lord gave and the Lord takes,” insisting, “God did not take, it was we who gave by our mistake of an avoidable death.”

The crash killed Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, and three crew members — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — as they travelled to the launch of a government initiative to end illegal mining.

“To be frank, I had a personal connection with only three of the unfortunate victims — Dr Omane Boamah, Dr Sarpong and Dr Murtala Mohammed,” Dr Aidoo said.

“Anytime I remember the departed, usually with teary eyes, but I am not here to eulogise. Mine will be a tiny voice among the worldwide tributes, lamentations and eulogies that have come following this avoidable national tragedy.”

He stressed the need to look beyond mourning to uncover the cause of the deaths.

“Why did they die? Why were they in the air? They were in the air because they were going to fight galamsey. President Mahama must kill the galamsey menace before it ends his members [of cabinet].”

Dr Aidoo argued that the best way to honour the victims is to act decisively against illegal mining.

“God gives, yes, but God does not take innocent lives. People die by their own destruction or by lifestyle. My first reaction after the Chief of Staff confirmed the death was to send a 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.”