President Mahama hands over compensation packages to families of helicopter crash victims
President John Dramani Mahama has formally handed over compensation packages to the families of the eight victims of the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash,
The gesture, he said, fulfils Government’s commitment to support the loved ones of those who lost their lives in service to the nation.
The presentation, held as part of activities marking the first anniversary of the tragedy, also included healthcare support, education funds and other long-term interventions for the bereaved families.
The President recalled that the helicopter crash plunged Ghana into mourning, claiming the lives of distinguished public servants and gallant officers of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“They served this nation with dedication, patriotism and honour, and their untimely passing left a void that can never truly be filled,” he stated.
President Mahama noted that while the nation mourned collectively, the greatest burden had been carried by the spouses, children and families left behind.
He said Government had acted immediately after the tragedy by providing interim monthly allowances to the widows while initiating statutory compensation processes for all affected families.
“I am pleased to announce today that these interventions have now been fully implemented for the families of our fallen civilian officials,” he said.
The President disclosed that on July 6, the Accra Circuit Court, acting under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 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 added that compensation packages had also been processed for the families of the fallen military personnel in accordance with the Armed Forces Regulations.
“Today, Government formally hands over these compensation packages to their respective families,” President Mahama announced.
Beyond the compensation payments, the President said Government had introduced additional measures to provide sustained support to the bereaved families.
He announced that every affected family had been enrolled onto the Premier Plan of Nationwide Medical Insurance, the company’s highest level of healthcare coverage.
The package provides annual healthcare benefits valued at GH¢3 million across all dependants and grants beneficiaries access to 942 accredited healthcare providers nationwide.
“Our responsibility extends beyond financial compensation.
“Every affected family has been enrolled onto the Premier Plan of Nationwide Medical Insurance, the company’s highest level of healthcare coverage,” he said
President Mahama also announced that Government had established the Children’s Support Fund to secure the educational future of the victims’ children.
He said 13 professionally managed trust accounts had been opened at Stanbic Bank for the minor children, with Government depositing GH¢1 million into each account.
The trust funds, he explained, would be professionally managed and invested to ensure sustainable growth while meeting the children’s educational needs.
In addition, six fixed deposit accounts had been established for the five adult children of Dr Sarpong and the first daughter of Alhaji Muniru Limuna, with GH¢1 million deposited into each account.
President Mahama said each family would also receive a legacy box containing a Children’s Fund Certificate, commemorative medallions in honour of their departed loved ones and a personal letter addressed to every child.
“These letters remind them that although their fathers are no longer physically present, their courage, patriotism and service remain an enduring source of inspiration,” he said.
The President further disclosed that the Children’s Support Fund received GH¢10,155,032.01 and an additional US$20,000 from corporate organisations, public institutions and individual Ghanaians following Government’s public appeal.
He said Government had supplemented the fund with an additional GH¢8,464,598, describing the response as a demonstration of the nation’s compassion and solidarity.
President Mahama thanked all contributors and assured them that transparency and accountability had guided every stage of the process.
“Transparency, accountability and good governance have guided every stage of this process,” he stated.
He explained that the funds had been entrusted to professional fund managers and independently audited to ensure they were managed responsibly and in the best interests of the beneficiaries.
Addressing the bereaved families, President Mahama acknowledged that no amount of financial support could replace their loved ones but assured them that the nation remained grateful for the sacrifices made by the deceased.
“At the State Funeral on 15th August 2025, I assured you that you would not walk this difficult journey alone. Today, we honour that pledge,” he said.
“This is how a grateful nation remembers its heroes, not only through words of tribute, but through enduring acts of care, responsibility and solidarity.”
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
