The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has joined Ghanaians in commemorating the first anniversary of the military helicopter tragedy that claimed the lives of eight people who were travelling on a national mission to combat illegal mining.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party described the tragedy as one of Ghana’s most painful losses in recent history and extended its condolences to the bereaved families, the Government, the Ghana Armed Forces and the entire nation. STATEMENT BY THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY ON THE HELICOPTER TRAGEDY.pdf
The NPP said the deaths of the eight compatriots transcended political affiliation, stressing that the loss was a national tragedy.
“Grief has no party colours,” the party noted, adding that the families’ pain was shared by the entire country. It also encouraged Ghanaians to participate in the nationwide blood donation exercise being held as part of the anniversary activities. STATEMENT BY THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY ON THE HELICOPTER TRAGEDY.pdf
According to the statement, the victims were travelling to Obuasi in support of the national fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and the destruction of Ghana’s lands and water bodies. The party said their sacrifice should inspire renewed commitment to addressing the environmental challenges they were working to confront. STATEMENT BY THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY ON THE HELICOPTER TRAGEDY.pdf
The NPP, however, maintained that remembrance ceremonies alone were not enough and called on the Government to provide evidence of progress made in the fight against illegal mining over the past year.
It questioned the current state of Ghana’s rivers and water bodies, the number of forest reserves still under threat and the extent of land reclamation carried out since the tragedy. STATEMENT BY THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY ON THE HELICOPTER TRAGEDY.pdf
The party also called for a comprehensive update on the official investigation into the helicopter crash, including its findings, safety recommendations and measures taken to protect public officials and other persons travelling in service to the country. STATEMENT BY THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY ON THE HELICOPTER TRAGEDY.pdf
The NPP pledged to continue raising questions about the fight against illegal mining and accountability for the mission undertaken by the victims, both in Parliament and before the Ghanaian public.
“Remembrance is not a ceremony but a duty,” the statement said, adding that Ghana must demonstrate that it is worthy of the sacrifice made by the departed eight. STATEMENT BY THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY ON THE HELICOPTER TRAGEDY.pdf
Source: New Patriotic Party
