President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday led a solemn ceremony at the Jubilee House to fulfil the state's promise to the families of those who lost their lives in the military helicopter crash of August 6, 2026.
He presented comprehensive compensation packages and announced the establishment of a GH¢1 million trust fund for each of the children of the fallen heroes.
The emotional event saw the President hand over compensation packages totalling GH¢1.87 million to the dependents of four civilian officials, alongside separate packages for military personnel processed under the Armed Forces Regulations.
Present at the ceremony were the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin; the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; Senior Government Advisor on Political Affairs, Dr Valerie Sawyerr, who coordinated the mobilisation of resources for the Children's Support Fund, and families of the seven men who perished in the crash, among other dignitaries.
Compensation
President Mahama announced that the High Court, acting under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1963 (Act 174), awarded the compensation package to the families of the civilian officials on July 6, 2025.
"Every affected family has been enrolled onto the Premier Plan of the National Health Insurance, the scheme's highest level of healthcare coverage," the President said.
He added that, "This package provides an annual healthcare value of GH¢3 million across all dependents and grants access to 942 accredited healthcare providers nationwide."
Each family received unique identification cards for seamless access to health care.
Additionally, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) scholarships have been secured for all eligible school-age children for the 2025/2026 academic year and beyond.
Children's support fund
In what the President described as "a solemn national obligation to our fallen heroes," the government established the Children's Support Fund, with professionally managed trust accounts at Stanbic Bank.
"Government has deposited GH¢1 million each into these trust accounts," President Mahama said, and added that the accounts would be professionally managed.
Fixed deposit accounts have been established for the five adult children of Dr Sarpong and the first daughter of Alhaji Muniru Limuna, with GH¢1 million deposited into each account.
Remarkable national response
After the government's appeal for donations on August 15, last year, the response from Ghanaians was truly remarkable.
Between August 19 and the end of October last year, the Children's Support Fund received GH₵10.16 million and $20,000 from corporate organisations, the public sector, and individuals across the country.
The government added GH¢8.46 million to strengthen the fund.
The companies include Stanbic Bank, Ghana, the ARB Apex Bank PLC, Fidelity Bank Ghana, ADB Bank, NIB Ghana, GCB Bank PLC, Procus GH Limited, GB Foods Ghana, Sunda FM Manufacturing Ltd, Sage Distribution Ltd, Quantum Oil Terminals, Quantum LPG Logistics Ltd, Newgas Cylinder Ltd, Quantum Terminals PLC, STL Foundation, Olam Agric, and GLICO General Insurance.
Others were Keda Ghana Ceramics Limited, Ghana Reinsurance, Chase Group Foundation, MTN Ghana, Dela Radio, KGL Technology, Risk Management Ltd, Federated Commodities, Willbeck Consult, Sida Global Logistics & Eng Ltd, Vitol Ghana Service Limited, Kosmos Energy Ghana, and Affluence Global Ltd.
Public Sector contributions came in from National Insurance Commission, Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), BOST Energies, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Agencies), Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources (Agencies), Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts (Agencies), Ministry of Interior (Agencies), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Airports Company Ltd, Bui Power Authority, Energy Commission, Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Co Ltd, Staffers in the Office of the President, Allied Health Professionals, and PSC Tema.
Individuals who contributed are Kennedy Hedoe, Peter Adongo, Mensah Michael, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Appaul Wiredu Lateef, Samuel Hodalor, Dauda Iddi, Cynthia Naa Odotey, Nana Victoria Akyaa Afriyie-Abrokwa, Kay Kwao Simmonds, Charles Incoom, Dzokuni Awoenam Kwadzo Carl, Fidelity Amanor, Isaiah Senyo Mawunyegah, Stephen Abugri, Iddrisu Fauzita.
Others are Paul Nii Adom Badger, Padi Keteku, Dr Li & Chen Guo Wei, Kow Eduakwa Sam, Israel Quarme Arye, Timothy Addai Adivilah Balagkutu, Augustus Obuadum Tanoh (Goosie), Kenneth Nana Kwame Brown, Andra Appenteng, Seth Emanuel, Prof. Francis Dodoo, and Seth Padi Ologo.
Committee behind the fund
The success of the initiative was driven by the dedicated committee, chaired by Dr Julius Debrah, with Dr Valerie Sawyerr as coordinator.
Other members are Alex Segbefia, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Stanislav Dogbe, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, and Felix Ofosu Kwakye.
Their collective efforts transformed a national grief into lasting support for the bereaved families.
Transparency
President Mahama gave the assurance that transparency guided every stage.
He said government contributions had been entrusted to professional fund managers, and the entire process was independently audited by the former Auditor-General, confirming that appropriate governance standards were observed.
Each family received a legacy box containing the Children's Support Fund certificate, commemorative medallions, and a personal letter from the President to every child.
"Those letters remind them that although their fathers are no longer physically present, their courage, patriotism and service remain an enduring source of inspiration," the President said.
President's assurance
Speaking directly to the grieving families, the President acknowledged that no amount of financial support could replace their loved ones.
"But I hope today's ceremony reassures you that your nation, Ghana, the nation that they served, remains grateful, remembers their sacrifice, and will continue to stand in solidarity with you.
At the state funeral on August 15, 2025, I assured you that you would not walk this difficult journey alone.
Today, we honour that pledge."
President Mahama extended appreciation to all contributors, saying, "Your generosity reflects the very best of our national values.
Many of you may never meet these children, yet you chose to invest in their future because you recognised that their loss was Ghana's loss."
