President John Dramani Mahama has presented a government compensation package to the families and children of the victims of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash during a ceremony held at the Jubilee House on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
The package includes financial compensation, healthcare support, educational assistance, and long-term investment plans for the dependants of the fallen public officials and Ghana Armed Forces personnel.
The helicopter crash compensation package fulfils a commitment made by government to provide immediate relief and sustainable support to families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy. President Mahama said the interventions demonstrate Ghana’s responsibility to those who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation.
“This occasion is not merely a ceremonial gathering. It represents the fulfillment of a promise made by the Republic of Ghana to the families of the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price in service to our nation”.
President John Dramani Mahama
The August 6, 2025 helicopter crash plunged the country into mourning after claiming the lives of distinguished public officials and gallant officers of the Ghana Armed Forces. President Mahama acknowledged the sacrifices of the victims, describing their service as one marked by dedication, patriotism, and honour.
He said while the nation mourned collectively, the greatest burden had been carried by the spouses, children, and loved ones left behind. “Today, we stand with these families once again, not only to remember their sacrifices but also to demonstrate through concrete action that Ghana does not abandon those who sacrifice everything in her service,” President Mahama stated.
Following the tragedy, government introduced several support measures, including monthly allowances for widows, statutory compensation processes, healthcare coverage for families, and professional counselling services.
Government also assisted families who organised private funeral arrangements alongside the national funeral held in honour of the victims.
Accra Circuit Court awards GH¢13.8m compensation
President Mahama announced that the compensation process for the civilian victims had been completed following a ruling by the Accra Circuit Court.
According to him, on July 6, 2026, the court, acting under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1963 (Act 174), awarded a total compensation package of GH¢13,872,962.40 to the dependants of the four civilian officials who died in the crash.
He added that compensation packages had also been processed for the families of the fallen military personnel in accordance with the Armed Forces Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1546). “Today, government formally presents these compensation packages to the respective families,” President Mahama said.
Beyond financial compensation, government enrolled all affected families onto the premium plan of the National Health Insurance Scheme. The healthcare package provides an annual healthcare value of GH¢3 million across all dependants and gives beneficiaries access to 942 accredited healthcare providers across Ghana.
Each family received a unique identification card to enable access to the healthcare support whenever required.
GETFund scholarships and Children’s Support Fund established
President Mahama further announced educational support measures aimed at securing the future of the children of the victims. He said government had secured Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) scholarships for all eligible school-going children for the 2025/2026 academic year and beyond.
He explained that the Children’s Support Fund was created as a lasting commitment to the children of the fallen heroes. “The fund is not an act of charity. It is a solemn national obligation to the children of our fallen heroes,” he said.
The President disclosed that 13 professionally managed trust accounts had been established at Stanbic Bank for minor children, with government depositing GH¢1 million into each account.
The accounts, he said, would be professionally managed to safeguard and prudently invest the funds while supporting the educational needs of the children as they grow.
Additionally, six fixed deposit accounts were established for the five adult children of Dr. Samuel Sarpong and the first daughter of Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed, with GH¢1 million deposited into each account.
A three-month holding period has been introduced to allow the investments to appreciate while giving beneficiaries time to plan responsibly for the use of the resources.
Each family also received a legacy box containing the Children’s Support Fund certificate, commemorative medallions honouring their departed relatives, and personal letters from President Mahama to the children.
The letters encouraged the children to pursue excellence while drawing inspiration from the courage, patriotism, and service of their departed parents.
Ghanaians contribute over GH¢10m to support fund
President Mahama praised individuals, institutions, and corporate organisations whose contributions strengthened the Children’s Support Fund. He said following government’s public appeal on August 5, 2025, the fund received contributions amounting to GH¢10,155,032.01 between August 19 and the end of October 2025.
The fund also received an additional US$20,000 from corporate organisations, public institutions, and individuals. Government contributed an additional GH¢8,464,598 to strengthen the initiative.
“I equally thank public institutions, public servants, and individual Ghanaians who contributed from their personal resources. Many of you may never meet these children, yet you chose to invest in their future because you recognised that the loss was Ghana’s loss”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He expressed appreciation to contributors, saying their support reflected national responsibility and solidarity.
Government assures accountability in managing funds
President Mahama assured families and contributors that transparency and accountability guided the management of all resources committed to the initiative. He said government’s contribution had been entrusted to professional fund managers to ensure prudent investment and long-term sustainability.
The process, he added, had been independently audited by the former Auditor-General, whose review confirmed that appropriate governance and accountability standards had been followed.
“This provides government, contributors, and beneficiary families with the assurance that these resources are being managed responsibly and in the best interests of the children”.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama told the bereaved families that while no financial support could replace their loved ones, the nation remained committed to standing with them. He recalled his assurance at the state funeral on August 15, 2025, that the families would not walk the difficult journey alone.
“Today, we honour that pledge. This is how a grateful nation remembers its heroes, not only through words of tribute but through enduring acts of care, responsibility, and solidarity,”.
President John Dramani Mahama
Bereaved families express gratitude to government
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, a representative of the Limuna family expressed appreciation to President Mahama and the Presidency for the support provided.
The representative said the continued support, kindness, and assistance from government had brought comfort to families during a difficult period. “We are deeply touched by this gesture and will forever hold it in our hearts,” the representative added.
The ceremony was graced by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, several Ministers of State, and officials of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The gathering brought together senior government officials, representatives of the bereaved families, and stakeholders who joined in honouring the memory of the fallen public servants and military personnel
The ceremony ended with prayers for the souls of the departed victims and continued blessings for their families and Ghana.
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