The Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CoHSS) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Charles Marfo, says the souls of the eight public officials who died in the 2025 military helicopter crash would be disappointed by the country’s response to the fight against illegal mining.

Speaking during a panel discussion on Oyerepa Breakfast Time, Prof. Marfo reiterated his support for a tougher approach, including the use of force against illegal miners, popularly known as galamsey operators.

“I have been advocating for shoot to kill for a long time. Now is the time to ask people doing illegal mining what they have kept the gun for,” he said.

According to him, little progress has been made in addressing illegal mining since the crash that claimed the lives of the eight officials, arguing that repeated commemorative events have not translated into meaningful action.

“Ever since these men died, we are still hearing the same stories. You organise a national interfaith memorial service, then we cry again. What remembrance are we giving them?” he questioned.

Prof. Marfo said he believes the country has failed to demonstrate enough commitment to honouring the victims, adding that their sacrifice would appear meaningless if the galamsey menace continues unchecked.

“In fact, nothing good has come out of their death. Ghanaians have not done anything to show our love for the eight people who died. If their souls are really around, their souls would be miserable because their death has been in vain,” he stated.

He further suggested that if the spirits of the victims existed, they would be unhappy with those responsible for the lack of progress in tackling illegal mining.

“If indeed their ghosts exist, they should beat some people. It sometimes makes me believe there is no ghost anywhere,” he added.

Background

The eight officials died on August 6, 2025, when a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crashed at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region while they were travelling on a national assignment.

The victims included senior government officials and military personnel who were on board the aircraft. Their deaths sparked nationwide mourning and renewed calls for stronger measures to address illegal mining, which has been blamed for environmental destruction, particularly the pollution of water bodies and degradation of farmlands.

The incident also intensified public discussions about the government’s approach to combating galamsey and the need for more decisive interventions to protect Ghana’s natural resources.