Mining giant Zijin Golden Ridge Limited has joined the growing chorus of sympathisers mourning the tragic helicopter crash that claimed eight lives on August 6, reaffirming its commitment to stand with Ghana during this period of national grief.
In a heartfelt statement issued to the Ghana News Agency, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Leon Zhang, expressed condolences to the Government and people of Ghana, describing the event as a “deeply sorrowful moment” that calls for solidarity and compassion.
“Our profound commiserations to the families of our departed brothers,” said Mr. Zhang. “This tragedy is not just a national loss but a human one, and we extend our deepest sympathies to all affected.”
The deceased included high-profile public officials and military personnel such as Dr. Edward Omane Boamah (Defence Minister) and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (Environment Minister), among others. The helicopter, which took off from Accra at 9:12 a.m., reportedly went off radar soon after. An ongoing investigation led by AIB Ghana, with support from the Ghana Armed Forces and international partners, is expected to determine the cause.
As Ghana observes three days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast, tributes have poured in from civil society, international partners, and political leaders.
Notably, IMANI Africa’s President, Franklin Cudjoe, emphasized the moral legacy of the deceased, saying, “Their loss leaves a deep wound in the soul of our nation. May their legacies guide us toward integrity, courage, and peace.”
For Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, which recently took over the Akyem Gold Mine from Newmont, the tragedy underscores the importance of corporate citizenship beyond economic investments.
“In this difficult time, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Ghana. We are not just investors; we are partners in the national journey,” the company stated, highlighting its ongoing work in sustainable mining and community development.
The company’s message of condolence is part of a broader wave of institutional solidarity that has marked this moment of national mourning, where both public and private stakeholders are urged to unite in memory of the fallen.
