The government must vig­orously fight illegal mining in honour of the eight who perished through a helicop­ter crash while on a flight to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme, the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, has said.They are Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central; Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the NDC; Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manean Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.The government yesterday officially opened a Book of Condolence at the respec­tive offices of the eight public officials.People from all walks of life thronged the various designated places where the Book of Condolences have been opened, to pour out their heartfelt tributes to the 'fallen heroes'.

They included government officials, mem­bers of the diplomatic corps, captains of industries, religious leaders, friends, school mates, and a cross section of the public.The eight were described as humble and approachable and above all, hardworking and dedicated to their work.From the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG reports that Dr Bampoe in his tribute said the passion of Dr Murtala Mohammed for his work and people had left a lasting imprint on the Ministry in particular and the country at large."He wouldn't let you sleep, calling again and again until things were done," he said.From the Ministry of Defence, BENJA­MIN ARCTON-TETTEY reports that the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, former Defence Minister, Mr Dominic Nitiwul and former Deputy Minister of Education, Reverend Ntim Fordjour, were among other dignitaries who signed the Book of Condo­lence in memory of Dr Omane Boamah, the late Defence Minister.Rev.

Fordjour, former Deputy Minister of Education, signing the book of condolence at the Ministry of DefenceSinging the Book of Condolence, Mr Genfi described his boss as affable who related well with all the staff of the Ministry irrespective of the position they held..Mr Genfi, Deputy Minister of Defence, signing the book of condolenceFor his part, Mr Nitiwul described the late Dr Boamah as a loyal individual, indicating that loyalty was key for one to hold the posi­tion as the Minister of Defence.Mr Nitiwul, former Minister of Defence, signing the book of condolence"I wasn't very surprised when President John Dramani Mahama nominated him and he later got confirmed as the Minister of Defence," he said.Also present to sign the Book of Con­dolence at the Ministry of Defence was the Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, Catholic Archbishop of Accra, and the Secretary General of the National Catholic Bishops' Conference, Reverend Father Clem­ent Kwesi Agyei, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ambas­sador to Ghana, Mohammed Lawan Gana, Lieutenant General Obed Boamah Akwa, former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and Ghana's Ambassador to Egypt.Mr Jonas Claes signing the Book of CondolenceThe rest were Acting Commissioner, Air­craft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana), Mr John M.

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