Press Releases
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (‘MIIF’ or ‘the Fund’), Mrs. Justina Nelson, on Friday, August 15, joined thousands of grief-stricken Ghanaians at the Independence Square, to bid final farewell to the eight departed patriots who perished in a deadly helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
MIIF CEO, Mrs. Justina Nelson (middle), seated among other dignitaries at the Burial Service.
The solemn gathering, led by President John Dramani Mahama and his government, bore witness to the effect of the tragedy on Ghana’s leadership.
The fallen heroes were:
– Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, a medical doctor whose dedication to public service had taken him from the corridors of the London School of Economics to the highest echelons of government. He is also revered as an astute political strategist
-Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and MP for Tamale Central, a father of three whose vision for environmental protection would remain forever unfinished.
– Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, the watchful protector who had dedicated his life to safeguarding Ghana’s national interests.
– Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chair of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), whose political wisdom had guided many political campaigns and restored the party to power
– Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former Parliamentary Candidate, whose grassroots connections had bridged communities and government
– Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, the seasoned pilot whose steady hands had safely transported countless officials across Ghana’s skies
– Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, the dedicated co-pilot whose service record spoke of unwavering commitment to duty
– Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, the aircrew member whose technical expertise had ensured mission success time and again.
In recognition of their dedicated service and heroics, President Mahama elevated all three servicemen post-humously
The helicopter had departed from Kotoka International Airport toward the gold-mining area for an event about tackling illegal mining, when it disappeared from radar and crashed into a forested mountainside in the Ashanti region.
Mrs. Justina Nelson exchanging pleasantries with a guest at the Burial Service.
The presence of the MIIF team led by Mrs Nelson was a direct response that embodied the profound respect the Fund holds for public service.
Earlier in the week, Mrs. Nelson, alongside the Board Chairman of the Fund, Mr Richard Kwame Asante and other senior officers of MIIF, had laid a wreath at the forecourt of the Jubilee House, the seat of government, a testament to shared grief and solidarity.
The Fund’s tribute, published in the Daily Graphic on August 15, 2025, stood as more than mere words on paper but more like a covenant with the nation, a promise that the ideals these eight heroes died defending would live on.
As Mrs. Nelson stood in the sea of mourners at the Independence Square, the weight of MIIF’s mission felt more profound than ever.
The Fund’s commitment to maximizing revenues from Ghana’s mineral resources had always been intertwined with a deeper purpose, ensuring that the wealth beneath Ghana’s soil serves to build a better future for all Ghanaians.
The tragedy had reinforced a fundamental truth that this mission cannot be separated from the sacred duty of protecting the lives and wellbeing of those who serve the nation.
Mrs Nelson and the MIIF team’s presence at the funeral also reinforced the believe that the helicopter crash, one of the worst air disasters in the country in over a decade, had created a void in Ghana’s leadership that would be felt for years to come.
The Board Chairman of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Mr Richard Kwame Asante, has described the tragic August 6 helicopter accident which claimed the lives of eight gallant statesmen including two key cabinet ministers, as a collective loss which must help to better unite the nation.
Consequently, he called on all to rally behind the government and families of the bereaved in what he described as a “difficult moment of intense grief”.
Mr. Asante made these remarks when he led a high-powered delegation from MIIF, including Chief Executive Officer Mrs Justina Nelson and other Fund executives, to lay a wreath at the Jubilee House in honour of the fallen public servants.
While acknowledging the nation’s profound grief over the loss of these gallant souls, Mr. Asante called on all Ghanaians to unite in working toward national renewal and keying into the Reset Agenda to make Ghana great again.
He conveyed the heartfelt sympathies of MIIF’s board, management, and staff to President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the entire government, the National Democratic Congress, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the bereaved families, concluding with the prayer: “May their souls rest in perfect peace.”
MIIF’s Official Statement
In an earlier statement, MIIF expressed its profound sorrow, saying: “At MIIF, we are deeply grieved by this monumental loss. These were not merely public officials; they were devoted fathers, loving husbands, inspiring mentors, and unwavering guardians of our democracy who dedicated their lives to Ghana’s service.
“Dr. Edward Omane Boamah’s steadfast dedication to national security remains an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations of Ghanaians to serve with honor and distinction. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed’s passionate commitment to environmental stewardship and technological progress touched countless lives and advanced Ghana’s development aspirations.
“The profound tragedy that these exemplary leaders, who devoted their entire careers to protecting and advancing Ghana’s interests, should perish while still answering the call of national duty, deepens our collective anguish. Their families have been deprived of their beloved patriarchs, and Ghana has lost irreplaceable repositories of wisdom, experience, and patriotic service.
“As custodians of Ghana’s sovereign wealth through MIIF, we intimately understand the weight of national responsibility and the sacrifices inherent in public service. These fallen heroes embodied the highest ideals of patriotic duty, consistently prioritizing Ghana’s welfare above personal comfort and safety,” the release added.
Death has done its worst again, this time, claiming the lives of some of Ghana’s finest public servants in a tragic helicopter crash last Wednesday.
They are: the former Minister of Defense, Hon. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation, Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr. Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, former Deputy National Chairman of NDC, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Former NDC Parliamentary Candidate Obuasi East, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, former Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, former Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu and former Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Board and Management of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF or the Fund’) are deeply shaken and heartbroken by that catastrophic helicopter crash.
To us at MIIF, words cannot adequately capture the profound grief that has engulfed our hearts and the entire nation. These were not merely public servants; they were fathers, husbands, mentors, and pillars of our democracy who dedicated their lives to the service of Mother Ghana.
For instance, Hon. Dr. Edward Omane Boamah’s unwavering commitment to national security will forever be etched in our memories. His vision for a secure and prosperous Ghana inspired countless young Ghanaians to serve their nation with distinction.
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed’s passionate advocacy for environmental protection and technological advancement touched the lives of millions.
The tragic irony that these great men, who spent their lives protecting and serving Ghana, should perish while still in service to the nation, fills us with overwhelming sorrow. Their families have been robbed of beloved patriarchs, and Ghana has lost irreplaceable treasures of wisdom and experience.
MIIF, managers of Ghana’s sovereign minerals fund, understand the weight of national service and the sacrifices it demands. These fallen heroes exemplified the very essence of patriotic duty, often placing the nation’s interests above their personal comfort and safety.
We, therefore, extend our most heartfelt and deepest condolences to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, who has lost trusted advisors and dear friends. Our hearts go out to Her Excellency Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman, the Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah, the entire Government, the Chief of Defense Staff, and the resilient people of Ghana during these darkest moments.
To the bereaved families, Ghana weeps with you, MIIF mourns with you, and we stand with you during these excruciating moments of grief and disbelief.
May their souls rest in perfect and everlasting peace.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with you all.
Signed
Board and Management of MIIF
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Mrs. Justina Nelson, has announced the Fund’s commitment to support initiatives that create lasting positive impact on the lives of people, particularly residents of mining communities across the country.
A key initiative, she said, involves providing healthcare services to these communities, with MIIF working with Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to launch free medical outreach programmes in mining areas within the coming weeks.
Mrs. Nelson made the pledge during a courtesy call by a high-powered delegation from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital at the Fund’s headquarters in Cantonments, Accra.
The delegation, led by Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, Head of Medical Affairs at the hospital, used the opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest between the two institutions.
“We have the welfare of the people within the mining communities at heart, and we will do all we can to ensure that they also benefit from the minerals mined on their land,” Mrs. Nelson stated.
“This forms part of the core of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and we will ensure that we execute accordingly because health, is indeed wealth,” she added.
The MIIF CEO described the discussions on the medical outreach collaboration with Korle-Bu management as fruitful and gave the assurance that the two institutions will draw up action plans to actualize these intentions within the coming weeks to launch the project.
She praised the Korle-Bu brand as one that has been tried and tested, noting that the planned outreach using experts from the hospital is a step in the right direction.
In his remarks, Dr. Owusu-Sekyere noted the remarkable strides the hospital has made in delivering quality healthcare, particularly in managing referral cases from across the country.
He described the intended medical outreach as a laudable initiative and confirmed that Korle-Bu stands ready for the collaboration to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people in the mining communities of the country.
Dr. Owusu-Sekyere also appealed for closer collaboration with MIIF to address critical infrastructure challenges that continue to affect the delivery of quality healthcare services at the hospital.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Mrs Justina Nelson, has advised indigenes of the Ada traditional area to support positive initiatives aimed at harnessing the full potential of their rich mineral resources.
Mrs Justina Nelson (4th from left) receiving a symbolic gift of salt from the Queenmother of the Ada Traditional Area, Naana Adikie Manyeyo Adi.
She also urged them to use legitimate means to address grievances rather than causing consistent unrest in resolving differences.
Mrs Nelson gave the advice when a high-powered delegation from the Ada Traditional Area in the Greater Accra Region, home to the Songhor Lagoon which produces salt, paid a courtesy call on her in Accra.
It was led by Naana Adikie Manyeyo Adi I, Queenmother of the traditional area, and Nene Agudey Obichere III among other leaders within the traditional council.
The Songhor Lagoon
Located outside the major town of Ada and west of the Volta River estuary, the Songhor Lagoon is a coastal lagoon covering 28,740 hectares on Ghana’s eastern coast.
The lagoon holds significant cultural and utilitarian value for local communities. Residents harvest reeds, fuel wood, tilapia, crab, and other resources primarily for subsistence, while salt is extracted for widespread distribution to Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigeria.
Unity and Modern Technology
Mrs Nelson said the area’s huge salt potential requires continuous unity among the people to enable business investment and the use of modern technology to mine this “white gold.”
“If salt is mined in peace, there will be more job opportunities created for the energetic and vibrant youth in the area. Major sources of livelihoods will be created for the people, and the area and nation at large will benefit from salt exports,” she said.
Mrs Nelson pledged MIIF’s commitment to support salt mining efforts, adding that the Fund expects companies mining salt and other minerals throughout the country to honour their obligations to the state through royalty payments.
She expressed appreciation for the thoughtful visit and expressed the hope that the peaceful relationship between MIIF and the Ada Traditional Area would continue to grow. The MIIF CEO urged the queenmothers to use their influence to ensure continued peace to help the community to harness the full benefits of their rich mineral resources.
Mrs Nelson also wished the Ada Traditional Council and the people well as they prepare to celebrate their annual Asafotufiami festival.
Scholarship Extension Request
Naana Adikie Manyeyo Adi pledged the commitment of the traditional area to work hand in hand with the Fund to harness the potential of the area.
While congratulating Mrs Nelson on her appointment as the first female CEO of the Fund, she expressed hope that, as a salt mining area, MIIF would extend its scholarship scheme for women from mining communities where indigenes from the Ada community pursuing courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) can benefit.
The Board Chairman of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Mr. Richard Kwame Asante, has reaffirmed the Board’s unwavering commitment to ensure that the Fund operates strictly within its mandate as established by the governing Act.
Speaking at the second MIIF Board/Management Retreat held in Accra from July 11-13, 2025, Mr. Asante assured management and staff of the Board’s readiness to provide essential resources, counselling, and guidance to enable seamless discharge of duties.
Mr Richard Kwame Asante (seated middle), Board Chairman, Mrs. Justina Nelson (seated 3rd from right), and other board members on the front row in a picture with MIIF management and other stakeholders.
Strategic objectives of the retreat
The three-day retreat was designed to serve two critical purposes:
Enhanced Understanding: To deepen the Board’s comprehension of the Fund’s operations through comprehensive departmental presentations and stakeholder insights.
Strengthened Collaboration: To reinforce the collaborative relationship between the Board and Management.
Mrs. Justina Nelson, clarifying some issues during the 2nd day’s session . With her are some Board Members.
Key stakeholder participation
The retreat featured presentations from some key stakeholders of the Fund who provided valuable insights into their relationships with MIIF, including:
– State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA)
– Public Procurement Authority (PPA)
– PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
– Deloitte
Commitment to financial excellence
Mr. Asante commended management for their commitment to professionalism and strict financial adherence.
Referencing the Fund’s first-half 2025 financial performance as presented by the Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, Mrs Justina Nelson, in her presentation on the ‘MIIF journey so far’, he stated: “Our financial performance for the first half of 2025 has been encouraging, and we will ensure that we maintain this momentum in our quest to ensure that the good people of Ghana benefit significantly from their mineral resources.”
The Board Chairman noted that prudence across all operational fronts would be a cornerstone of the Board’s approach, noting: “We will be guided by the lessons of the past to chart a more positive path in accordance with the Fund’s mandate.”
Mr. Asante said the Fund would strive for greater excellence while utilizing knowledge gained during the departmental presentations to strengthen the Board’s ability to help fulfill MIIF’s core mandate:
- Maximize minerals income receipts
- Monetize the minerals income
- Develop and implement measures to reduce budgetary exposure to commodity price fluctuations
Leadership recognition and support
The Board commended Mrs. Nelson and her management team for the progress achieved to date, pledging continued support toward achieving the Fund’s mission, and for the organization of the retreat.
They also urged Staff to rally behind management for the greater good of the institution and the nation.
Some members of the Board interacting with stakeholders of the Fund.
Way forward
Looking ahead, the Board reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Fund’s initiatives to position MIIF as a catalyst for national development and positive change.
Mrs. Nelson expressed appreciation to the Board for their demonstrated commitment and pledge to help chart a positive path for the Fund to achieve its mandate.
She emphasized that management and staff stand ready to work closely with the Board to make a great impact.
The retreat concluded with renewed commitment from both Board and Management to work collaboratively toward fulfilling MIIF’s strategic objectives and maximizing benefits for the Ghanaian people from the country’s mineral resources.
ACCRA, Ghana, July 11, 2025 – The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF or the Fund), Mrs. Justina Nelson, has expressed the Fund’s determination to ensure that all players in the mining and quarry sector honour their obligations to the state through the payment of royalties.
She described the proactive move by the Fund to visit all mining and quarry sites in the country to identify and engage operators as successful so far, indicating that the exercise will continue throughout the year as part of a broader stakeholder engagement efforts aimed at ensuring compliance with royalty payments to the state.
Mrs. Nelson made these remarks after the Business Development and Corporate Affairs and External Relations departments of the Fund completed their ongoing monitoring activities at various quarry and sand winning sites across the five northern regions of Ghana: Northern, North East, Upper East, Upper West, and Savannah, as well as selected sites within the middle belt regions, specifically Ashanti and Bono.
Site assessments
The monitoring team visited several sites, including the limestone mine owned by Diamond Cement. In total, the team assessed operations at two quarries in the Northern Region, four in the North East Region, and another four in the Upper East Region. Additionally, one quarry was visited in the Upper West Region and three more in the Savannah Region.
A key highlight of the visit was the discovery of two new quarry operations in the Upper West Region. One of these sites commenced production and sales in April 2025, while the other is still under construction, with plant installation underway.
The team also observed an encouraging development in the Upper East Region, where Upper Quarry, which had previously ceased operations, is now nearing full resumption of activities. Similarly, in the Upper West Region, three previously collapsed quarry sites are undergoing revitalisation.
In the middle belt, the MIIF team visited a total of 18 quarries in the Ashanti Region and seven in the Bono Region. These visits formed part of MIIF’s strategic mandate to ensure that all royalties due to the state from mineral income sources are duly and promptly paid.
Impact and compliance
Mrs. Nelson expressed satisfaction with how MIIF’s presence on the ground prompted immediate action at several sites, with quarry managers initiating arrangements to settle outstanding royalty payments to the state.
She noted that the collection of royalties enables the state to fund national development, particularly in mining areas of the country, allowing local communities to benefit from the mineral wealth on their land.
Collaborative approach
Mrs. Nelson used the opportunity to advise companies undertaking mining and quarry activities not to perceive MIIF’s site visits as actions meant to cause arrests or halt their operations, but rather as encouragement to undertake responsible mining, honour their obligations to the state, and address any challenges they face.
She noted that MIIF stands ready to ensure that all companies in the sector operate responsibly and urged them to leverage the Fund’s open-door policy to engage frequently.
“MIIF remains committed to its mission of securing and optimising Ghana’s mineral income through consistent stakeholder engagement and rigorous monitoring to uphold compliance and transparency in the sector,” Mrs. Nelson assured.
Accra, Ghana – In its quest to increase royalty receipts from mining companies operating across the country, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF or the Fund) has intensified its monitoring efforts to ensure players in the industry honour their obligations to the state.
The team from MIIF being taken on a tour of one of the quarry sites in Accra.
The exercise, being carried out by the Business Development team of the Fund, is also meant to identify new entrants into the industry as part of efforts to update the list of companies eligible to pay royalties.
It is also designed to assess compliance with statutory royalty payments and to gain firsthand insights into the challenges confronting operators in the sector.
Under Ghana’s current legal framework, mining companies are required to pay five per cent of their total revenues as royalties to the state, with these payments forming a critical component of the country’s mineral revenue stream.
The ongoing monitoring tour began with visits to quarry and salt mining sites in the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions of Ghana.
The team covered all quarry sites in Nsawam, Suhum, and Shai Hills. The team also visited salt mines in the Ada enclave, including Electrochem Salt and Dangbe Salt, among others.
During the tour, two emerging salt mines were identified, one of which is scheduled to commence production and sales in the next season.
Compliance Monitoring
The tour offered the team the opportunity to extensively review records pertaining to royalty payments. The team stressed the importance of full compliance to ensure the state derives its due share from mineral resources.
Encroachment on Mining Concessions
Some of the operators expressed concerns about increasing encroachment by nearby communities who were undertaking residential developments just meters from concession boundaries.
Way Forward
In his remarks, Head of Business Development, Dr. Kennedy Abrokwa, said the industrial mineral sub-sector, encompassing quarries, salt, and related minerals, holds significant untapped potential for Ghana’s economy.
While we have made strides in monitoring and compliance, we observed that there is more room for improvement, and we will step up to achieve our objectives in the best interest of the state.
Dr. Abrokwa noted that MIIF’s efforts, including the nationwide tour, underscores the Fund’s commitment to closing the royalties payment gap.
“By strengthening compliance, identifying new entrants, and addressing systemic challenges, we aim to unlock greater value for the nation.
The road ahead requires collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that Ghana derives its rightful share from these vital resources, fostering sustainable growth for the benefit of all citizens,” he added.
