Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has cautioned that the recent posthumous promotions given to three Ghana Air Force personnel who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash will carry little weight if government fails to intensify the fight against illegal mining.

The Effutu MP made the remarks at the Grand Durbar Homecoming and Handing-Over Ceremony of the Asante Students Union at the University of Ghana on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

President John Dramani Mahama had earlier honoured Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah with posthumous promotions for their service and sacrifice. The three were among eight victims of the crash, which occurred while they were on assignment connected to the fight against illegal mining.

Under the honours, Squadron Leader Anala was elevated to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Mensah to Flight Sergeant.

While acknowledging the recognition, Afenyo-Markin insisted that the tributes would ring hollow if not matched with concrete action to end galamsey.

“Posthumous honours, while deserved, do not complete what these men gave their lives for. They died in the effort to fight galamsey. Their sacrifices demand that we finally win this battle,” he said.

He urged the Mahama administration to treat the issue with urgency, warning that any delays or compromises with illegal miners would undermine the sacrifices of the fallen personnel.

“With every day of weak response, with every compromise, we betray their memory. The government must act with determination, not only to protect the environment but also to honour the eight who paid the ultimate price,” he stressed.