By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Dramani Mahama has presented compensation packages, educational trust funds and healthcare support to the families of the eight public officials and military officers who died in the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash.
The package includes GH¢13,872,962.40 in statutory compensation, GH¢1 million trust funds for eligible children, and a healthcare insurance package valued at GH¢3 million.
At a ceremony at the Presidency in Accra, President Mahama said the intervention fulfils government’s commitment to supporting the families of those who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
“We gather today in solemn remembrance, but also with a profound sense of duty and national responsibility. This occasion is the fulfilment of a promise made by the Republic of Ghana to the families of the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price in service to our nation,” he said.
The President said the Accra Circuit Court, under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1963 (Act 174), awarded GH¢13,872,962.40 to the dependants of the four civilian officials who died in the crash.
He added that compensation packages for the three military officers were also processed in accordance with the Armed Forces Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1546).
Beyond compensation, the affected families have been enrolled onto the Premier Plan of Nationwide Medical Insurance, providing healthcare benefits valued at GH¢3 million and access to 942 accredited healthcare providers nationwide.
Government has also established the Children’s Support Fund to secure the future of the children left behind.
President Mahama disclosed that 13 trust accounts have been created at Stanbic Bank for minor children of the deceased, with GH¢1 million deposited into each account. Six additional fixed deposit accounts, each with GH¢1 million, have also been established for five adult children of the late Dr. Samuel Sarpong and the first daughter of the late Alhaji Muniru Limuna.
Each family received a Legacy Box containing a Children’s Fund investment certificate, a commemorative medallion and a personal letter from the President to the children.
The President said the fund received GH¢10,155,032.01 in contributions from corporate organisations, public institutions and individuals, together with an additional US$20,000. Government also contributed GH¢8,464,598 to strengthen the fund.
He assured contributors and beneficiaries that transparency and accountability guided the management of the resources, with the process independently audited.
On behalf of the bereaved families, Kasha Ridwan Limuna, eldest child of the late Alhaji Muniru Limuna, expressed gratitude to President Mahama, government and the people of Ghana for the support shown to the families.
Background
The support package follows the death of eight Ghanaians in a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
The victims were:
- Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
- Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
- Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress and former Ashanti Regional Minister
- Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Ghana Air Force officer
Flying Officer Malin - Twum-Ampadu – Ghana Air Force officer
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah – Ghana Air Force officer
The tragedy plunged the country into mourning and led to a State Funeral on August 15, 2025. Government subsequently provided interim support to the families and began processes for compensation, healthcare assistance and long-term welfare support.
