Government unveils support package for children of officials killed in helicopter crash

The government presented support packages to the children of the eight state officials who died in the August 6 helicopter crash, on Thursday, July 30. The packages included a legacy box containing a personal letter signed by President John Dramani Mahama, a Children's Fund investment certificate, and a commemorative medallion. The government announced health insurance coverage valued at GH¢3 million for 27 beneficiaries. In addition, 13 Stanbic Bank trust accounts have been established for the affected children, each funded with GH¢1 million.

The support follows the helicopter crash on August 4, which claimed the lives of eight people, including two ministers of state. The victims were travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region on official duty when the Ghana Air Force helicopter crashed in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region. Those who died included Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, NDC National Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and members of the flight crew. President John Dramani Mahama stressed that the packages were not intended as compensation for the families' loss but as a demonstration of the government's commitment to supporting the children left behind. He said no amount of money could replace the lives lost but noted that the intervention was designed to provide long-term assistance, particularly in healthcare and education.