President John Dramani Mahama has presented trust funds, health insurance packages and legacy memorabilia to the children of the eight state officials who died in the August 6 helicopter crash, describing the intervention as a commitment to securing their future rather than compensation for their loss.
The support package, presented at a ceremony on Thursday, July 30, includes a legacy box containing a personal letter signed by the President, a Children’s Fund investment certificate and a commemorative medallion in honour of the deceased parents and guardians.
As part of the initiative, the government has secured health insurance coverage valued at GH¢3 million for 27 beneficiaries and established 13 Stanbic Bank trust accounts for the children, with GH¢1 million deposited into each account.
In addition, six fixed deposit accounts have been opened for the five adult children of the late Dr. Samuel Sarpong and the first daughter of the late Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed. Each account has been credited with GH¢1 million and will remain on a three-month holding period to allow the investments to appreciate while giving beneficiaries time to plan the responsible use of the funds.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, President Mahama said no amount of financial support could replace the loved ones the families had lost, stressing that the government’s intervention was intended to provide long-term assistance, particularly in healthcare and education.
“Every affected family has been enrolled onto the premier plan of Nationwide Medical Insurance. The company’s highest level of healthcare coverage has been awarded to these families,” he said.
He explained that the package provides annual healthcare coverage worth GH¢3 million across all dependents and gives beneficiaries access to 942 accredited healthcare providers nationwide through dedicated identification cards.
President Mahama also announced the establishment of the Children’s Support Fund, describing education as the most important investment the country could make in the lives of the bereaved children.
“Recognising that education is the greatest investment we can make into the future of these children, that conviction has led to the establishment of the Children’s Support Fund,” he said.
The President assured the affected families of the government’s continued support as they navigate life after the tragedy.
The helicopter crash, which occurred on August 4 while the victims were travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region on official duty, claimed the lives of eight people, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. 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 three crew members.
