President John Dramani Mahama has announced the establishment of a Children’s Support Fund to provide long-term educational, healthcare, and welfare assistance for the children of the eight victims of the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
The crash, which he described as “a national tragedy that has cast its shadow over the heart of Ghana,” claimed the lives of some of the nation’s most dedicated public servants and gallant Ghana Armed Forces personnel.
Speaking at the funeral service for all eight of the victims on Friday, August 15, President Mahama revealed that Stanbic Bank has provided an initial seed capital of GHC500,000 to launch the fund, while government will make an immediate seed contribution.
“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,” the President stated.
He pledged to operationalise and publish a detailed framework for the fund within 30 days, adding that it will be sustained through annual public reporting and open channels for contributions from the public and international partners.
The President indicated that the fund is designed to secure the future of the children left behind, ensuring their education is uninterrupted and their healthcare needs are fully met, including specialist care where necessary.
In addition, the fund will cover essential welfare support such as housing, clothing, and special living expenses to guarantee that the children do not face undue hardship.
“I wish to thank Stanbic, which has opened an account with an initial contribution of GHC500,000,” he noted, commending the bank for its swift support and calling on other institutions and individuals to contribute.
President Mahama paid tributes to the victims, who included 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 three Ghana Armed Forces crew members — Wing Commander Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Lieutenant Twum-Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Two of the victims, Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, were buried on August 10, while the remaining six have at this moment been sent to the Military Cemetery at Tse-Addo for burial.
Describing them as “brothers in arms, trusted advisors, and friends whose counsel and loyalty I valued beyond measure,” President Mahama recalled their dedication to the Republic, noting that on the day of the crash, they were on active duty serving Ghana’s safety, security, and progress. He urged the nation to unite in their honour and avoid speculation, stressing that a full and transparent investigation has been ordered into the crash to prevent future tragedies.
The President concluded with a solemn call for collective responsibility to preserve the memory of the fallen through tangible 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.”
By Ruth Sekyi – [email protected]
