By Iddi Yire
Accra, July 30, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has presented compensation packages to the children and families of the eight victims who lost their lives in the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.
The tragic accident claimed the lives of eight distinguished public servants and military officers who were on national assignment.
The victims were Dr Edward Kofi 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, Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); and Mr Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
The others were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, all of the Ghana Air Force.
Presenting the packages at the Jubilee House on Thursday, President Mahama said the Accra Circuit Court, acting under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1963 (Act 174), had awarded a total compensation package of GH¢13,872,962.40 to the dependants of the four civilian officials who died in the crash.
He said compensation packages had also been processed for the families of the military personnel in accordance with the Armed Forces Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1546).
“Today, Government formally hands over these compensation packages to their respective families,” the President said.
He noted that Government’s support extended beyond financial compensation, announcing that all affected families had been enrolled on the Premier Plan of Nationwide Medical Insurance, the company’s highest healthcare package.
According to him, the package provides annual healthcare benefits valued at GH¢3 million for all dependants and offers access to 942 accredited healthcare facilities nationwide.
President Mahama said each family would receive a unique identification card contained in the presentation boxes to facilitate access to healthcare services whenever needed.
Touching on education, he said Government had established the Children’s Support Fund to secure the future of the children left behind by the deceased.
“This fund is not an act of charity; it is a solemn national obligation to our fallen heroes,” he said.
“It reflects our collective determination that the children of our departed heroes will continue to enjoy the opportunities their parents would have wished for them.”
The President disclosed that 13 professionally managed trust accounts had been established at Stanbic Bank for the benefit of minor children, with Government depositing GH¢1 million into each account.
He said the funds would be professionally managed and invested to ensure sustainable growth while supporting the educational needs of the beneficiaries.
In addition, six fixed deposit accounts had been opened for the five adult children of Dr Sarpong and the first daughter of Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, each with an initial deposit of GH¢1 million.
President Mahama explained that a three-month holding period had been instituted to allow the investments to grow while giving beneficiaries adequate time to plan the productive utilisation of the resources.
He said each family would receive a legacy box containing a Children’s Fund Certificate, commemorative medallions in honour of their departed relatives and a personal letter from him.
The letters, he said, reminded the children that although their fathers were no longer physically present, their courage, patriotism and dedicated service to the nation would remain a lasting source of inspiration.
The President said the letters also encouraged the children to pursue excellence and uphold the values and legacy of their departed parents.
Reflecting on the response to the Government’s appeal following the tragedy, President Mahama described the public support as inspiring.
He said between August 19 and October 31, 2025, the Children’s Support Fund received contributions totalling GH¢10,155,032.01 and an additional US$20,000 from corporate organisations, public institutions and individual citizens.
Government also contributed GH¢8,464,598 to strengthen the fund.
President Mahama said the overwhelming support demonstrated the compassion and solidarity of the Ghanaian people, and expressed gratitude to all individuals and organisations that contributed to the initiative.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah