By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Key elements covered:
- Fund Status: The steady growth of the fund from an initial GH¢2.3 million to its current status.
- Broad Support: Contributions from various public and private institutions, as well as individual citizens.
- Historical Context: A recap of the tragic incident in the Adansi Akrofuom District that claimed the lives of eight people, including the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Environment.
- Ongoing Efforts: Information on the designated bank accounts and digital platforms that remain open for future donations.
A massive wave of public and private generosity has propelled the Children’s Support Fund, established for families of the August 6, 2025, military aviation disaster, past a major financial threshold. Dr. Valerie Sawyerr, Senior Presidential Advisor on Governmental Affairs and Coordinator of the Fund, detailed the progress in a Saturday, February 28, 2026, press release, noting that the account has now exceeded GH¢10 million. According to Dr. Sawyerr, “total donations had reached GH¢10,150,495.00 and US$20,000.00.” This impressive capital pool consists of “contributions received between October 17, 2025 and February 7, 2026.” The surge in giving reflects what officials describe as “growing national solidarity aimed at supporting the dependants of victims who lost their lives in the tragic incident.”
Tragedy in the Adansi Akrofuom District
The origins of this philanthropic movement trace back to a dark day for Ghanaian governance and aviation. On August 6, 2025, a Ghana Air Force helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region. The fatal accident claimed eight lives, including high-ranking government officials. Among the fallen were the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
In the wake of the disaster, President John Dramani Mahama officially launched the fund on August 15, 2025, during the state funeral held for the eight victims. The initiative was established with the specific mandate “to safeguard the welfare and future of children affected by the August 6 helicopter crash.”
Rapid Growth and Institutional Backing
Since its inception, the initiative has seen a consistent rise in financial backing. It began with an initial GH¢2.3 million in August 2025, rising to over GH¢6.5 million in September and reaching GH¢8.6 million by mid-October. This momentum has been sustained by a broad coalition of public and private entities.
Recent corporate contributions were led by Ghana Reinsurance, Kosmos Energy Ghana, and Vitol Ghana Services Limited. Government participation has also been robust, with funds arriving from the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of the Interior, and the staff of the Office of the President.
A Diverse Coalition of Private Givers
The fund’s success is not solely the work of large corporations. A significant portion of the GH¢10.15 million milestone is attributed to groups and individuals such as Presidential Staffers, Allied Health Professionals, and PSC Tema.
The roster of donors further includes a wide array of private citizens, including Kenneth Nana Kwame Brown, Timothy Addai Adivilah Balag Kutu, Andra Appenteng, Seth Emanuel, Francis Dodoo, Padi Keteku and Seth Padi Ologo. Further contributions were recorded from entities and individuals identified as Stay String and Kenneth Brown. Officials noted that this widespread support “demonstrates a collective national commitment to ensuring that children affected by the crash are adequately supported despite the loss of their parents or guardians.”
Long Term Welfare and Financial Stewardship
The fund is designed to provide more than just immediate relief. It was created to offer “long-term assistance, including education, healthcare and general welfare support, for children left vulnerable by the disaster.” Fund managers stressed that the current balance of “GH¢10,150,495.00 and US$20,000.00” will be managed to “guarantee sustainable assistance for beneficiaries, with priority placed on education, welfare services and long-term social protection.”
Open Channels for Continued Public Support
Despite reaching this milestone, the donation window remains open for the public. Financial transfers are being handled by Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited at the Stanbic Heights Branch in Accra. Dr. Sawyerr confirmed that “donations could be made into the Ghana cedi account number 9040013628372 or the US dollar account number 9040013628534.” For those utilizing traditional methods, “cheques should be made payable to Children Support Fund 6825,” or bank drafts can be issued under the same name. Additionally, “mobile money payments are also accepted” via approved digital platforms linked to the fund. The unprecedented scale of these contributions serves as a profound testament to a nation’s resolve to transform collective grief into a lasting pillar of social security for its youngest citizens.
