Accra, Ghana – August 9, 2025 – The Old Vandals Association (OVA) has joined the nation in mourning following the devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians in the line of duty.
The tragedy, which has cast a shadow of grief over the country, involved individuals reportedly engaged in a mission connected to the fight against illegal mining — a cause OVA has passionately championed for years.
Statement from the Old Vandals Association
In an official press release signed by Isaac Nketiah Sarpong, Esq. (National President) and Joseph Ahinful Biney (National Secretary), OVA expressed its deep sorrow and solidarity with the bereaved families, the government, and the people of Ghana.
Press Release – August 9, 2025
For Immediate Release
OLD VANDALS COMMISERATE WITH H.E. THE PRESIDENT AND OTHERS
Our hearts are heavy with grief following the tragic news of the helicopter crash which claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians in line of duty. May the souls of our departed compatriots rest peacefully in the bosom of their Maker.
The Old Vandals Association (OVA) has since April 2017 been preaching against the distressingly negative impacts of artisanal & small-scale mining (ASM) – especially galamsey – on the country’s water bodies, soils, forest cover and cocoa farms. OVA, recognising the ASM’s contributions to employment, income generation, livelihoods, poverty reduction and foreign exchange earnings, among others, on the other hand, made recommendations for the promotion of responsible mining which protects the environment and secures the wellbeing of the miners as well.
It is, therefore, very disheartening that the eight men had to lose their lives in pursuance of this noble cause.
On behalf of the Vandal fraternity, we hereby extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the government and the good people of Ghana, the families of the victims and the Chairman, members and sympathisers of the Akatamanso NDC Party.
This is a painful loss, not only to the loved ones of the victims, but to the entire country. We share in the sorrow and stand with everyone affected in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. May the Almighty God grant you strength and comfort as you navigate this immense loss.
Signed:
ISAAC NKETIAH SARPONG, ESQ. – National President
JOSEPH AHINFUL BINEY – National Secretary
Longstanding Commitment to Environmental Advocacy
OVA has been at the forefront of environmental advocacy in Ghana for nearly a decade, particularly in the campaign against the harmful effects of illegal artisanal and small-scale mining, widely known as galamsey. Since April 2017, the association has warned about the severe damage caused to water bodies, soil fertility, forest cover, and cocoa farms by unregulated mining activities.
While acknowledging that ASM contributes to job creation, poverty alleviation, income generation, and foreign exchange earnings, OVA has consistently advocated for a responsible and sustainable approach to mining that balances economic benefits with environmental preservation.
The association has proposed strategies to formalise artisanal mining, improve safety conditions for miners, and enforce environmental protection laws to safeguard the country’s natural resources.
A Loss in the Pursuit of a Noble Cause
The victims of the helicopter crash were reportedly involved in activities linked to environmental protection and the enforcement of anti-galamsey operations. For OVA, their deaths symbolise the risks faced by those working to safeguard the nation’s resources.
“It is very disheartening that these men had to lose their lives while pursuing a cause that OVA has long championed. Their sacrifice must inspire a renewed commitment to protect Ghana’s environment,” the association said in the release.
OVA described the accident as not just a personal tragedy for the families involved, but a national setback in the fight against illegal mining and environmental degradation.
Condolences to the Nation
In its statement, OVA extended condolences to:
- H.E. President John Dramani Mahama
- The Government of Ghana
- The good people of Ghana
- The bereaved families of the victims
- The Chairman, members, and sympathisers of the Akatamanso NDC Party
“This is a painful loss, not only to the loved ones of the victims, but to the entire country. We share in the sorrow and stand with everyone affected in this difficult time. May God grant you strength and comfort,” the release read.
A Call to Action
OVA urged the government, civil society, and the general public not to allow the tragedy to derail ongoing environmental protection efforts. Instead, the association called for a united push to ensure that ASM practices are regulated, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
The association emphasised that the most fitting tribute to the deceased would be to carry forward the work they were engaged in — protecting Ghana’s land, forests, and rivers from further degradation.
About the Old Vandals Association
The Old Vandals Association is the alumni body of the Commonwealth Hall, University of Ghana. Known for its strong traditions, activism, and national service, the association engages in advocacy on issues ranging from youth development to environmental conservation. Its anti-galamsey stance reflects its belief that sustainable development is the key to Ghana’s future prosperity.
