By Daniel Bampoe
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfour, has delivered a moving tribute to two members of the media fraternity who died in the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region — urging the nation to honour their memory by intensifying the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
The crash, which occurred during a programme to launch responsible, claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including three prominent public figures with close ties to the GJA: former Minister of Communications Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, former Deputy Information Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and other senior officials and military officers.
A Whisper That Shook the Nation
Recalling the moment the news broke, Dwumfour said it reached newsrooms “not as a roar, but as a whisper carried on a grieving wind.” That whisper, he noted, quickly grew into “a collective sigh and silence” as the country grappled with the sudden loss of its heroes.
Addressing the National Union of Ghana Studies, during a Candle Night Vigil held at UPSA, Legon, the GJA president said the tragedy was felt deeply by the media community because the victims were not only national leaders but also individuals who had engaged closely with journalists, shaped national discourse, and demonstrated unwavering commitment to public service.
Personal Reflections on the Fallen Heroes
Dwumfour spoke fondly of his personal relationship with Dr. Omane Boamah and Dr. Murtala Mohammed, recalling regular professional interactions and moments of mentorship.
He revealed that as a young student leader, he looked up to Dr. Omane Boamah as a source of inspiration when he contested for the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) presidency.
He described both men as “incorruptible” figures who served Ghana with dignity and integrity, noting that their careers reflected a consistent dedication to the nation’s development.
Turning Grief into Purpose
While paying homage to the fallen, Dwumfour stressed that their deaths must not be in vain.
He urged Ghanaians to channel their grief into renewed determination to eradicate illegal mining — the very cause for which the victims were on a mission when their helicopter went down.
“The lasting legacy and befitting memory we can give to our fallen heroes,” he said, “will be to ensure that we collaborate with government to win the fight against galamsey.”
He announced the GJA’s readiness to partner with NUGS and relevant state agencies to intensify the campaign against environmental degradation, describing illegal miners as “environmental criminals” whose actions threaten the country’s future.
In closing, Dwumfour urged that the tragedy should “redefine our enthusiasm and desire” to combat illegal mining.
