The deadly helicopter crash that killed two cabinet ministers and six others has sparked sharp criticism from former senior government official Dr. Tony Aidoo, who described the incident as an “avoidable national tragedy” rather than an act of divine will.
Speaking Saturday on Newsfile, a local current affairs program, Dr. Aidoo, a former ambassador to the Netherlands and a one-time senior presidential aide, challenged what he called the “misguided religious consolation” that the victims’ deaths were ordained by God.
“God didn’t take them—we gave them through avoidable death,” Dr. Aidoo said, adding that “the Lord gave and the Lord takes” is an expression of grief, not an explanation for policy failure.
The crash, which occurred en route to the launch of an anti-illegal mining initiative, claimed the lives of Defense Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye. Three crew members—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—were also killed, along with another aide.
The group had been traveling to support a government campaign aimed at curbing illegal mining, commonly known in Ghana as galamsey—a sector plagued by environmental degradation, corruption, and security risks.
“To be frank, I had a personal connection with three of the victims,” Dr. Aidoo noted. “But I am not here to eulogize. Mine would only be a whisper among the global chorus of mourning that has followed this tragedy.”
Instead, Aidoo urged national leaders to pivot from grief to action. “Why were they in the air? They were flying to fight galamsey. President Mahama must destroy the galamsey menace before it destroys his cabinet,” he said.
Galamsey has become one of the most persistent and politically sensitive issues in Ghana, as illegal operations continue to ravage the country's rivers, forests, and farmlands. Past attempts to regulate or eliminate the practice have largely fallen short due to limited enforcement and political interference.
Dr. Aidoo said the best way to honor the fallen officials is not through commemorations, but through decisive action against the illicit mining industry. “God gives, yes—but God does not take innocent lives,” he said. “People die by their own destruction or by lifestyle.”
He disclosed that following confirmation of the crash, he immediately contacted President John Mahama with a personal message: “These eight patriotic souls died in the fight against galamsey. For God’s sake, Mr. President, don’t let them die in vain. Stop the galamsey now. That’s the only tribute worthy of their sacrifice.”
The government has yet to issue a detailed statement on the cause of the crash. A formal investigation is said to be underway.
