The government has rolled out a support package for the children of the eight state officials who lost their lives in the August 6 helicopter crash, as part of efforts to secure their welfare and future.
The packages were presented on Thursday, July 30, and included a legacy box containing a personal letter signed by President John Dramani Mahama, a Children’s Fund investment certificate, and a commemorative medallion in memory of their deceased parents and guardians.
Under the initiative, the government has provided health insurance coverage worth GH¢3 million for 27 beneficiaries. Additionally, 13 trust accounts have been opened with Stanbic Bank for the affected children, with GH¢1 million deposited into each account.
The intervention follows the helicopter crash on August 4, which claimed the lives of eight people, including two ministers and other senior government officials.
The victims were travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region on official duty when the Ghana Air Force helicopter crashed in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region.
Among those who died were Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister 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 members of the flight crew.
Addressing the families during the presentation ceremony, President Mahama said the support package was not meant to compensate them for the loss of their loved ones but to demonstrate the government’s commitment to the children left behind.
He stressed that “no amount of money could replace the lives lost,” adding that the initiative was intended to provide long-term support, particularly in the areas of healthcare and education.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar