The eight state officials who lost their lives in last year's helicopter crash would be proud of the government's efforts to combat illegal mining if they were alive today, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has said.

Speaking on JoyPrime as the nation marked one year since the August 6, 2025, tragedy, Mr Schandorf said the government's initiatives against galamsey represent the most meaningful way to honour the memory of the deceased.

"Absolutely yes. If the fallen heroes were alive today, they would be proud of government's effort in the galamsey fight," he said.

Mr Schandorf maintained that the best tribute to the victims was not only to remember them through commemorative events but to sustain a determined and effective campaign against illegal mining.

"The best tribute we can pay to their memories is to mount a competent fight and that's precisely what we've done so far," he added.

The eight officials, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane-Boamah and Agriculture Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, died when a Ghana Air Force Z9 helicopter crashed at Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025, while travelling to Obuasi in connection with the government's anti-galamsey operations.

The anniversary has been marked by a national inter-faith memorial service and renewed reflections on the country's progress in tackling illegal mining.