President John Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has announced the setting up of a support fund to cater for the children of the eight (8) Ghanaians who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region.
The fund is expected to cater for their education and welfare as part of the nation’s efforts to ensure they are properly catered for.
Speaking during a burial service for the eight victims at the Black Star Square last Friday, the President said the fund will cater for the children’s education from primary school to tertiary level or technical training.
He said it will also cover healthcare, including medical insurance and specialised care where required, and welfare support; clothing, shelter and essential living expenses.
President Mahama disclosed that Stanbic Bank has opened an account with an initial contribution of GH¢500,000, and indicated that government will make an immediate seed contribution to the fund.
He further disclosed that government will operationalise and publish detailed framework of the children’s support fund within the next 30 days.
“My office will ensure that the children’s support fund is sustained for the long term with annual public reporting on how it has been used,” the President further stated.
President Mahama also indicated that government will create channels for contributions from citizens, corporate organisations, professional associations and international partners.
“Let us also leave our eight comrades today with the promise that their children will not be alone and that they’ve got us, and we will always be there to share, we’ll proudly walk with them into their future,” President Mahama added.
3 Fallen Officers Promoted Posthumously
Meanwhile, President John Mahama, in honour of the three Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) crew members who lost their lives in the helicopter crash incident, has promoted them to various ranks posthumously.
President Mahama mentioned that following consultation with the government leadership, they are honouring the three officers for their sacrifices made to the nation.
Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu Manaen, promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah to Flight Sergeant.
“These are not just symbolic gestures. They represent the rightful place these officers have gained in our Republic’s role of honour, and the benefits due to their families will be reflected in these new ranks,” he said.
President Mahama disclosed that the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General William Agyapong, will oversee the ceremonial presentation of the posthumous promotion to their families.
He further added that the other victims who are civilians will be equally honoured in the next national mourners’ ceremony.
I Was Excited To Learn From Dr. Omane Boamah – Veep
The Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, also expressed sorrow as she read a tribute to the eight fallen men who died in the military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
In her tribute, she described her excitement and readiness to learn from her colleague Dr. Omane Boamah as they embarked on the journey to serve the nation.
“I was even more excited by the prospect of learning from you,” she said.
She described Dr. Omane Boamah’s positive expectations, stating, “You had a positive reaction to the prospect of working more closely with me.”
She wished the eight comrades a peaceful rest and thanked them for their commitment to the nation.
“I thank each one of you for your examples of selflessness, commitment to duty and ability of our country to be better for all of us,” she added.
Speaker of Parliament Honours Fallen Heroes
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and the leadership of the House also paid their final respect to the victims of the August 6 helicopter crash at their state burial held last Friday.
Expressing his sorrow at the loss of the victims, Speaker Bagbin described them as “Eight radiant stars” whose light was dimmed by death’s cruel hands. With a heavy heart, he expressed gratitude that these eight great individuals graced the country with their presence.
He added that the men were an embodiment of Ghana’s highest aspirations, as each meant a lot to their families and the country at large.
“These gallant men were the very embodiment of Ghana’s highest aspirations. They were the loving hands that cradled children, the wise voices that guided families, the charitable hands that fed families and whole communities, and the compassionate hearts that uplifted our dear country,” he said.
The Speaker of Parliament added that these men will forever be remembered for the lives they touched, the policies they championed, the institutions they strengthened and the hope they inspired.
Mr. Bagbin prayed that God would hold these heroes in His bosom and that they rest in peace.
The families of the eight victims read heartfelt tributes in honour of their late family members before their final interment at the military cemetery at Tse Addo.
Eight Ghanaians; Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah lost their lives on August 6, 2025, while on their way to Obuasi where the ministers and others were scheduled to launch an anti-illegal mining (galamsey) initiative.
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna were laid to rest on August 10, 2025, after Islamic burial rites were performed for them at the State House.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak