Child rights organisation, Challenging Heights, is calling on the government to implement the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development (RCOMSDE) Programme as a lasting tribute to the eight victims of Wednesday’s tragic helicopter crash.

The accident claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Alhaji Dr. Murtala Muhammed, and six military personnel. The team was en route to launch a national initiative targeting illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

In a statement signed by its President, James Kofi Annan, Challenging Heights described the fatal crash as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for decisive and sustained action against illegal mining. The organisation stressed that the RCOMSDE Programme must now serve not only as a deterrent but also as a symbol of hope for children and communities suffering the consequences of galamsey.

Challenging Heights emphasised that the impact of illegal mining extends beyond environmental destruction. Children in affected communities are often forced into dangerous labour conditions, exposed to toxic substances like mercury and cyanide, and suffer chronic health issues, long-term disabilities, and psychological trauma. Many are also denied access to education, deepening the cycle of poverty.

Just last week, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, the organisation rescued 25 Nigerian girls trafficked into prostitution at an illegal mining site in the Western Region.
Earlier this year, eight illegal miners were killed during a confrontation with the military in Obuasi. Challenging Heights continues to provide support to children and families affected by such tragedies.

Additionally, the group warned that pollution of vital water bodies, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim Rivers, has become a national emergency, threatening water security and public health.

The organisation is therefore advocating for a comprehensive approach that includes:

Strengthened law enforcement and prosecution of those exploiting children in mining;

Guaranteed access to quality education for all children;

Expanded social protection measures to reduce child labour;

Medical and psychological rehabilitation for rescued children; and

Sustainable livelihood programmes to reduce community reliance on illegal mining.