Ghana is in mourning following the tragic helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, in the Ashanti Region, a catastrophe that claimed the lives of eight of the nation’s most dedicated public servants and Ghana Armed Forces personnel.
The nation’s grief was palpable during the funeral service on August 15, where President John Dramani Mahama addressed a somber crowd, announcing a long-term measure to support the children left behind.
Describing the accident as “a national tragedy that has cast its shadow over the heart of Ghana,” President Mahama revealed the launch of a Children’s Support Fund. “The Fund for the children of the victims of the August 6, as has officially been named, will cover education from primary through to university or technical training, healthcare including medical insurance, specialised care where required, and welfare support, clothing, shelter, and special living expenses,” he stated.
Stanbic Bank, he announced, has provided an initial seed capital of GHC500,000 cedis to establish the fund, with the government making an immediate contribution as well. The President pledged to operationalise and publish the fund’s framework within 30 days, ensuring it will be guided by transparency, annual reporting, and open doors for contributions from the public and international partners.
President Mahama emphasised that the fund’s purpose is to guarantee the children’s futures—ensuring their education continues uninterrupted, their healthcare needs are met (including specialist care if needed), and that they have access to basic welfare such as housing, clothing, and other essential expenses. He commended Stanbic Bank for its swift response and called upon other institutions, organisations, and individuals to support the initiative.
During the service, the President paid a moving tribute to the eight lives lost: Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong; Deputy NADMO Director General Samuel Aboagye; and the three Ghana Armed Forces crew members—Wing Commander Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Lieutenant Twum-Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
He noted that Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed had been laid to rest on August 10, while the remaining six were interred at the Military Cemetery at Tse-Addo. President Mahama described them as “brothers in arms, trusted advisors, and friends whose counsel and loyalty I valued beyond measure,” highlighting their commitment to Ghana’s progress and safety on the day of the tragedy.
The President urged the nation to unite in honour of the fallen, cautioned against speculation, and assured all that a full and transparent investigation into the crash is underway to prevent future incidents.
He concluded with a heartfelt call to action: “May the Almighty God grant them eternal rest. May He heal the broken hearts of those they leave behind. And may Ghana,the nation for which they lived and died, remain forever worthy of their sacrifice.”
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
