“The Blood of the Eight Is on Your Head”: Ken Ashigbey Tells Politicians Involved in Galamsey
- A fatal helicopter crash occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claiming the lives of all eight occupants
- The CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ken Ashigbey, said politicians who engage in galamsey must be held morally responsible for the accident
- The Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey further explained why he made such an assertion and called for an end to illegal mining
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Ken Ashigbey, said illegal miners should be held morally responsible for the death of the eight Ghanaians who were involved in a helicopter crash.
Ken Ashigbey said Ghanaians must channel their grief into action to ensure that illegal mining, which is popularly referred to as galamsey, comes to an end.
Source: Facebook
In an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, Ken Ashigbey stressed that the tears alone will not honour the lives lost.
“I am appealing to the emotions of all of us Ghanaians that we should not just weep for this case and let it pass. We should channel that into positive action. This should be a point of reflection.”
He added that the deportation of foreign nationals engaging in galamsey was not enough punishment. He called on the government to do more than just deport such people.
“We should not just deport galamseyers but make sure they pay fully for the fines stipulated and serve the full sentences that apply. We need to send a strong signal that Ghana is closing this criminal business.”
For the politicians engaging in galamsey, Ken Ashigbey said they must realise that their actions caused the deaths of the eight.
“All of those politically exposed people who are involved in galamsey, the blood of these eight is on your head. You’d better have a change of heart, repent, and step out of it. Enough is enough,” he declared.
Watch the video below
Military helicopter carrying 8 persons crashes
The fatal helicopter crash occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
On board the flight were the Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and the Environment Minister, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, both renowned for their stance against illegal mining.
The other six were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC. The military crew—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. All eight of them perished.
They were travelling from Accra aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter to Obuasi, a hotspot for illegal mining activities, when the aircraft went off radar.
Mahama announces date for State funeral
In another publication, YEN.com.gh reported that President John Dramani Mahama disclosed that a state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15.
Samples of their remains have been taken to South Africa for DNA testing to help with identification due to the condition of the remains.
He shared these details when he first addressed the nation after the heartwrenching incident.
Source: YEN.com.gh
