By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
President John Dramani Mahama has presented support packages to the families of the eight people who died in the August 7 helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
Speaking at the Presidency on Thursday, July 30, 2026, President Mahama acknowledged that no amount of financial assistance could compensate for the loss of their loved ones.
The victims included Minister for Defence Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; pilot Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; co-pilot Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and crew member Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Defence Industry.
“No amount of financial support can replace your loved ones; no compensation can erase the pain of your loss,” President Mahama said. “But I hope that today’s ceremony reminds you that the nation remembers their sacrifice.”
The eight victims died when a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crashed while on an official assignment. The government has since described them as public servants who died in the line of duty.
As part of the support package, the President announced several interventions.
First, the government will deposit GH¢1 million into dedicated Stanbic Bank accounts established for the children of each of the eight victims. The fund is intended to support their education and general welfare.
Secondly, the affected families have been enrolled on the premium plan of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“Our responsibility extends beyond financial compensation,” the President said.
President Mahama stressed that the support package reflects the government’s responsibility to care for the families of those who served the nation.
“These men and women served Ghana with dedication. It is our responsibility as a nation to stand with their families in this difficult time and into the future,” he stated.
He assured the families that the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the Chief of Staff and other relevant government agencies would continue to work with them to provide any additional assistance they may require.
