President John Dramani Mahama has announced the establishment of a Children’s Support Fund to provide long-term support for the children of the eight Ghana Armed Forces personnel and public servants who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash. The initiative has received an initial seed capital of GHC 500,000 from Stanbic Bank, which the President praised for its generosity.
Describing the crash as a “national tragedy that has cast its shadow over the heart of Ghana,” President Mahama said the fund will cover education from primary school to university, healthcare, specialized care where needed, welfare support, clothing, shelter, and other living expenses for the victims’ children.
Speaking at the funeral ceremony for six of the victims on Friday, August 15, the President emphasized that the fund would operate with annual public reporting and include channels for contributions from the public and international partners.
“The Fund for the Children of the Victims of the August 6 crash, as it has officially been named, will provide holistic support for the children of those we lost. I wish to thank Stanbic Bank, which has opened an account with an initial contribution of GHC 500,000. The government will also make an immediate seed contribution, and within the next 30 days, we will operationalize and publish a detailed framework for the Children’s Support Fund,” President Mahama stated.
Two of the victims, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed were buried on August 10. The remaining six, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah were laid to rest on August 15.
Below is the full tribute delivered by President Mahama:
A Nation Mourns: Tribute to the Fallen Heroes
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, our nation awoke to a tragedy that would forever cast its shadow over the heart of Ghana.
A Ghana Armed Forces helicopter, carrying some of our most dedicated public servants and gallant military personnel, went down in the Ashanti Region. In a single, cruel moment, eight bright lights in our national life were extinguished.
The grief we feel is not only personal but collective. Ghana has lost leaders whose work touched every corner of our Republic leaders whose service was measured not in days, but in the profound impact they made and the lives they touched.
For me, this is not only a moment of national tragedy but also personal heartbreak. These were not just colleagues; they were brothers in arms, trusted advisors, and friends whose counsel and loyalty I valued beyond measure.
They lived lives of duty. On that fateful day, they were in active service to the Republic, pursuing assignments vital to the safety, security, and progress of our people. They did not seek recognition; they simply gave of themselves for the good of Ghana.
Their service was quiet, often unseen, yet always driven by love for country and a deep sense of responsibility to fellow citizens. Their final act was one of service and that is how they will be remembered.
Among those we lost were:
• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, a visionary leader whose reforms strengthened our Armed Forces and upheld the highest standards of professionalism.
• Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology passionate about environmental protection and scientific innovation, believing that Ghana’s future depended on safeguarding the planet.
• Alhaji Mohammad Muniru Limuna, Deputy National Security Coordinator, calm, discreet, and courageous, a silent guardian of our nation’s peace and stability.
• Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman, humble, loyal, and tireless, a faithful servant of democracy.
• Samuel Aboagye, young, promising, and dedicated Deputy Director-General of NADMO, committed to serving the nation wholeheartedly.
• Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah gallant crew members whose discipline, courage, and commitment safeguarded our skies and our nation.
Each of these men had a story, a family they cherished, and a vision for Ghana. They were men of duty and men of warmth, kindness, and humanity. Their absence leaves a void in our leadership and in our hearts.
The Government of Ghana has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the crash. We owe it to their memory and to every Ghanaian who serves to ensure lessons are learned and that such a tragedy is never repeated.
Though their voices have fallen silent, their legacy endures in stronger Armed Forces, in environmental protections, in security measures, and in democratic institutions strengthened by their service.
May their lives inspire future generations to serve with courage, humility, and dedication. On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and all whose lives they touched.
May God grant them eternal rest, heal the hearts of those they leave behind, and may Ghana remain forever worthy of their sacrifice.
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