The Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs has admonished the government to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.

The House of Chiefs indicated that the death of the eight individuals who died in the military helicopter crash must not be in vain.

Speaking after signing the book of condolence at the Defence Ministry, the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Nii Odaifio Welentse III, opined that failing to deal with the crisis would undermine the significance of their sacrifice.

“If we cannot deal with this holistically, once and for all, then these gallant soldiers died for nothing. We should all rise and deal with galamsey,” he stated.

The victims of the helicopter crash were Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (MP), Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Dr Samuel Sarpong, Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, all of whom, the House noted, served Ghana with distinction and dedication.