President John Mahama has announced plans to establish a dedicated welfare and education fund for the children of the eight individuals who died in the military helicopter crash on August 6—a move aimed at providing long-term support for the dependants left behind in the wake of the national tragedy.
The announcement was made during funeral rites held for Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, the late Deputy National Security Coordinator and one of the high-profile victims of the crash. The Harbin Z-9 military helicopter went down while en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, claiming the lives of all passengers and crew on board.
“This is a difficult calamity,” President Mahama said during his address on Tuesday. “Those who perished were in the prime of their lives, many with young families and critical responsibilities. One of them left behind a two-month-old infant.”
The President emphasized the government’s responsibility to shield the victims’ children from the socioeconomic consequences of their loss. He confirmed that a formal state funeral would be held on Friday, August 15, during which full details of the support fund will be unveiled.
“At the funeral, we will announce a programme for creating a fund that will assist with the education of their children,” Mr. Mahama said. “Persons who want to contribute to the future of the children they’ve left behind would have the opportunity to do so.”
The victims included two cabinet ministers—Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. Others killed in the crash were Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). The aircraft’s crew—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—were also among the deceased.
The group had been travelling to attend an event focused on addressing illegal mining activities, known locally as galamsey. The helicopter lost contact with air traffic control, prompting a search-and-rescue effort that ended in the discovery of the wreckage and confirmation of no survivors.
The incident has triggered national mourning and raised questions about aviation safety and the logistical operations supporting government missions. The creation of the fund marks a signal from the presidency that the state will assume an ongoing role in ensuring the welfare of the victims' families.
Further details regarding the structure, governance, and funding mechanisms of the initiative are expected to be disclosed during Friday’s memorial event.
