Organised labour has joined the chorus of sorrow, expressing deep sadness over the loss of 8 Ghanaians in the line of duty.
In a press statement, the leadership of organised labour has called for the immediate grounding and comprehensive assessment of all military helicopters.
The Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, Joshua Ansah, says investigations must be thorough and transparent to restore public confidence in military aviation safety.
“This issue about galamsey indirectly has started killing us. Had it not been galamsey I don’t think these ministers would have traveled to Obuasi. So, is a call to action to ensure that we nib this galamsey in the bud.
“I want to, on behalf of the working people of Ghana, express condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives, even to the President, we must ensure that our leaders have life, that they lead this country to where we all want it to be,” Mr Ansah said.
“Now, this brings my mind back to the presidential jet, is high time we call a spade a spade, let’s ground the presidential jet and buy a new one for the President. If we buy a new one, it is not for NPP or NDC but for the whole country,” he added.
His sentiments were echoed by the President of the National Association of Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu, who emphasized the urgent need to reassess all aircraft used for official duties.
“Did we follow the scheduled programme for servicing of these choppers? Maybe we need to reassess these choppers whether they are fit for purpose,” Mr Carbonu suggested.
General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Musah Tanko urged the President to immediately declare a state of emergency on galamsey or risk losing more lives as a result of the menace.
“Enough is enough. The time to say enough is now, children have become fathers, wives have become widows, Mr President the time to declare state of emergency on galamsey is now. We cannot allow these eight patriots to just die like that, let’s deal with the galamsey menace,” he urged.
As investigations continue and the nation prepares for the burial of the eight officers, the call for accountability and enhanced safety measures grows louder.
Organised labour says it will continue to monitor the situation closely. Meanwhile, the families of the victims, and indeed the entire country, await answers—and justice.
