ACCRA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- A cross-section of Ghanaians on Monday urged the government to intensify the fight against illegal mining activities, locally referred to as "galamsey," to end the menace that is devastating the country's environment.

They made the call after a military helicopter crashed in Ghana's Ashanti Region on Aug. 6, killing all eight occupants, including Defense Minister Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. They were reported to be on their way to launch an anti-illegal mining program.

John Addison, a 53-year-old educationist, observed that it was quite sad to see the once rich and beautiful vegetative cover of the country being destroyed daily, all in the name of extracting minerals.

"I always cringe when I travel across the country to see how several people take to extracting minerals through irresponsible means, which in the end threatens our very existence," Addison told Xinhua.

For Portia Selormey, a 32-year-old health practitioner and mother of two, the activities of illegal mining pose a major threat to both the current and future generations. She said that it is quite necessary for the government to tackle the problem head-on, especially following the deaths of the eight recently.

"This country will do a great disservice to the victims of the recent military helicopter crash if we fail to end this 'galamsey' menace now. The government must intensify its fight to ensure those who sacrificed their lives would be duly honored," said Selormey.

In the wake of the national tragedy, several prominent voices, including politicians and traditional and opinion leaders, have also called for an end to illegal mining.

Kenneth Ashigbey, chief executive officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and convener of the media coalition against "galamsey," has condemned those engaged in the illegal activity.

On his part, Chairman of the country's National Development Planning Commission Nii Moi Thompson emphasized that eliminating "galamsey" is the most fitting way to honor the victims of the Aug. 6 national tragedy.

Illegal mining in the West African country, according to experts, has led to poisoned water bodies due to the use of mercury and cyanide, destroyed forests, collapsed farms, rising poverty, health challenges, and corruption.

While the practice provides short-term income for those involved in the practice, its long-term costs, according to experts, far outweigh the benefits, thus threatening the country's environmental sustainability and economic future. ■