The Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF) has extended its condolences to the families as it joins the country in mourning the deceased persons comprising five high-profile government officials and three gallant soldiers of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The deceased were traveling to Obuasi for an event aimed at ending illegal small-scale mining when the helicopter they were aboard crashed into the Dampia Range Forest Reserve near Sikaman Brofoyedru in the Adansi Akrofuom district of the Ashanti Region.

In a statement, the GIF expressed its deepest commiserations as it highlighted the gallant efforts of the eight in contributing their quota to national development.

“These gallant men were responding to a national call which aims, among others, to regularise and sanitise mining in our landscapes (on and off Reserves) through the formation of cooperatives and acquisition of skills, to ensure environmental conservation, responsible and sustainable mining practices in host mining communities, which are critical issues confronting the nation in recent times,” the statement read.

It continued that: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the devastating news and the irreparable loss of the two hard-working and dedicated Cabinet Ministers, and the loss of the six other committed public servants at this critical period of our national development”.

The GIF extended sincere condolences also to the President and Government, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology and Innovation, Parliament, the Armed Forces, and the National Security for the tragic loss.

The family’s spokesperson, Shaikh Hajj Mumen Alhaj Idrees, confirmed the passing of the Islamic leader during his burial service held in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.

In a tribute, Shaikh Idrees described the late Chief Imam as a unifier and devoted leader who dedicated his life to mentoring Muslims and instilling discipline within the community.

“He was a father to all, leaving behind three wives and many children, both biological and those he embraced as his own,” the spokesperson noted.

He further stated that the Almighty Allah has called the respected cleric to eternal rest, urging the faithful to find solace in Allah’s will.

The family announced that the final funeral rites (Adua) will take place on Sunday, July 12, 2025, at Wawasi in the Obuasi East Municipality, in line with Islamic customs.

“We invite everyone to join us as we perform the rites for our beloved Imam. Allah makes no mistakes,” Shaikh Idrees added.

Source: Isaac K. Normanyo

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This inaugural event celebrated the remarkable contributions of several local legends that have made significant impacts in various fields.

The awardees for this year’s ceremony included:

His Lordship John Yaw Afoakwah, Catholic Bishop of Obuasi, Nana Kwantenpenaa Kwamoah Bosompem, Reagent of Adansi Odumasi, Rev. Dr. Love Konadu, Executive Director of Love Foundation, Mr. Richard K. Ellimah, Journalist and Expert in Mines and Sustainable Development, David Hagan, Director of Galaxy Foundation and a past Winner of MTN Heroes for Change, Louisa Amoah, Executive Director of Girl Shall Grow Foundation, Charles Wudengba, Executive Director, Wundef Media.

The awarded received citations and other souvenirs for the exceptional leadership

The awardees expressed their heartfelt joy and appreciation for the recognition of their hard work and dedication.

The event featured a series of choral performances from the talented members of Catholic Voices GH and Dom Peace Chorale, which added a melodious touch to the proceedings.

Executive Director of Catholic Voices GH, Joseph Owusu-Addo, extended his gratitude to the awardees for their impactful contributions.

He emphasized the importance of celebrating legends while they are still alive and encouraged other choral groups to follow suit in honouring those who uplift their communities.

Mr. Owusu-Addo also announced that the “MO NE ADWUMA” program will become an annual event aimed at recognizing individuals across Ghana who are making a difference in the lives of others.

The ceremony was attended by members of the clergy, local businessmen, families and friends of the awardees, media representatives, and the general public coming together to celebrate the honorees and their achievements.

The spirit of unity and appreciation filled the air, marking a memorable occasion for all involved.

The meeting, which took place on Sunday, September 24, 2023, involved a delegation consisting of notable individuals such as Hon. Edward Ennin, former Obuasi MP; Hon. Samuel Aboagye, NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East; and Dr. Solomon Owusu, a Mining Consultant in the USA.

Opagyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II, a well-respected chief with a background in Certified United States Corporate Accounting, was approached by the team to discuss various issues affecting the Adansi areas, with a particular focus on Obuasi.

During the discourse, concerns were raised about the development lag in Obuasi, a town renowned for its gold mining activities.

The delegation delved into pressing matters such as illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, youth unemployment, infrastructural deficiencies, and the apparent lack of benefits from the gold mining operations in the Adansi traditional areas.

Hon. Samuel Aboagye expressed dismay over the alleged favoritism in employment opportunities, claiming that Adansi youth were being overlooked in favour of individuals from larger cities.

He emphasized the need for qualified Adansi natives to be given priority in employment within organizations like AngloGold Mining Company and UMA Mining Contracting Company.

Additionally, the team touched upon the issue of illegal mining, with Dr. Solomon Owusu highlighting the environmental consequences of such activities, particularly the pollution of water bodies by foreign nationals, notably the Chinese.

Dr. Owusu urged the Paramount Chief to take action against sub-chiefs allowing illegal mining on their demarcated lands.

In a surprising revelation, Hon. Edward Ennin, a board member of AngloGold Ashanti Mining Company, disclosed that the company had relinquished a significant portion of its concession to the government for the benefit of small-scale miners.

However, this concession reportedly ended up in the hands of government officials instead of being allocated as planned.

The discussions also delved into legal matters surrounding illegal mining, with Dr. Owusu expressing disappointment in the perceived leniency towards foreign illegal miners compared to their Ghanaian counterparts.

He suggested streamlining bureaucratic procedures for small-scale mining licenses to encourage registration and compliance.

In response to these concerns, the Adansihene shared his disappointment with the actions of government representatives and the police in the area, citing a recent incident where a taskforce was assaulted by illegal miners, and the police arrested the taskforce members instead.

He also highlighted a directive from the Regional Minister instructing traditional authorities to cease task force operations.

Despite the challenges, the Adansihene expressed openness to innovative solutions and promised to investigate allegations of favoritism in job applications, pledging to ensure that Adansi natives benefit from job opportunities in the region.

The Chief concluded the meeting by welcoming ideas to address the galamsey issues and promote overall development in Adansi and Ghana.

The male child, believed to be a year and a half old, was rescued after his wails attracted a passerby who came to his rescue.

Eyewitnesses told Adom News’ Isaac Normanyo that they could not initially tell the source of the noise until they combed the bush and discovered the baby lying in a jute bag.

Suspicions are that the child had been abandoned for some hours as there was an indication of struggle and he was foaming in the mouth.

Some residents, who described the situation as inhumane, said the child has been handed over to the police.

The Adansi South District Social Welfare Director, Matilda Achiaa Yeboah, confirmed to Adom News that the victim is currently undergoing treatment.

Efforts are underway to bring the culprit to book.

Dispatched to Adansi Praso to calm tension in a fierce battle between Assin and Adansi Praso, Supt Tetteh said he did not expect the worse.

After chasing the intruders out of Adansi Praso and repelling the attack which led to the death of one and two severly injured, Supt Tetteh said they taught it wise to transfer the injured to a different hospital.

It was there, he said some persons identified him as the police team lead and a signal was given for the cutlass-wielding men to descend on him.

But for the timely intervention of some taxi drivers who whisked him away, the police commander stated bad news would have been announced.

The charge against him was that the police had failed to arrest the persons responsible for the death and injuries of the rioters, he told Adom News’ Amoh Alfred Samuel.

That was not the first time the senior Police officer had been attacked: In 2019, a woman attacked him with soup.

Meanwhile, the Assin Praso Assemblyman, Matthew Amofa, is demanding reinforcement to help solve the Adansi police-civilians ‘beef’.

The Junior High School 1 pupil, out of anger, killed his father with a cutlass after he claimed his mother or father had stolen his GH¢70.00.

The Fomena District Police Commander, Superintendent Albert Nii Ochil, who disclosed the sad news to Adom News, said the boy first turned his anger on his mother but the machete only landed on her slippers.

He then descended on his father who went to snatch the slippers from him, cutting his wrist in the process.

The cut was so deep it lacerated some veins and caused him to bleed while the boy and his mother took to their heels.

The late Mr Akromah’s groans attracted some neighbours who came to his aid with herbal first aid medication after which they transported him to the hospital because the remedy could not stop the blood from oozing.

He, however, passed on before reaching the CHPS compound they were referred to.

According to the Commander, the body has been deposited at the Peaceland Mortuary at Adiemera in the Adansi Asokwa District for autopsy.