Mahama announces support fund for children of helicopter crash victims
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
President John Dramani Mahama has announced the establishment of a Children’s Support Fund to provide long-term care for the children of the eight victims of the 6 August military helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of senior government officials and Air Force personnel.
He revealed that Stanbic Bank had made an initial seed contribution of GHS500,000 to launch the fund, which will support the education, healthcare, and welfare of the victims’ children from primary school through to university or technical training.
The government will also contribute immediately and publish a detailed operational framework within 30 days.
Speaking at the state funeral for six of the victims held at Independence Square on Friday, 15 August, President Mahama described the incident as a “national tragedy” that had “cast its shadow over the heart of Ghana.”
Two of the victims, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, were buried earlier on 10 August.
The President said the fund, to be sustained through public and international contributions, would ensure the children receive quality education, healthcare including medical insurance, specialised care where needed, clothing, shelter, and general welfare support.
President Mahama described their deaths as a great loss to the nation, noting that they died in active service while carrying out assignments vital to national safety and development.
He assured the bereaved families of the government’s full support and pledged that their loved ones’ legacy of dedication and professionalism would be honoured.
The President announced that a full and transparent investigation had been launched into the cause of the crash.
He also emphasised the importance of learning from the incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“This is not a time for division or speculation. It is a time to unite, to comfort the grieving, and to recommit ourselves to the ideals they stood for,” President Mahama added.
The 6 August crash in the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, who was credited with initiating bold reforms to modernise the Armed Forces.
Also killed was Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, known as a passionate advocate for environmental protection and scientific innovation, and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Deputy National Security Coordinator, who played a discreet but pivotal role in safeguarding national stability.
Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), also lost his life. He was remembered for his humility and loyalty in both party organisation and public service. Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO, was described as a promising young politician dedicated to disaster management.
