The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has announced that a group of international specialists has landed in the region to support inquiries into the devastating military helicopter crash that took place on August 6, 2025.
The fatal incident occurred within the Dampia Range Forest Reserve, close to Brofoyedru-Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofrom District. Among the victims were the Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, along with six additional individuals.
Dr. Amoakohene stated that he has guided the investigative team toward relevant authorities and emphasized that their input is essential to the success of the investigation. He expressed optimism that the joint efforts of both domestic and foreign experts will reveal the root cause of the crash and contribute to preventing similar occurrences in the future.
In a related development, the Minister voiced his support for the Inspector General of Police’s decision to disband the task force previously responsible for enforcing environmental laws in mining zones, particularly in the crackdown on illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
He acknowledged that although the task force had been effective operationally, its methods excluded critical local actors such as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), regional officials, and traditional leaders.
Dr. Amoakohene underscored that managing security cannot be done solely from a central authority, as meaningful community engagement relies on dialogue and cooperation at the grassroots level.
He concluded by saying that the new policy changes will allow the government to better incorporate local governance structures, empowering communities to take a more active role in combating illegal mining and protecting the environment.
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