President John Dramani Mahama has awarded a GHS100,000 ($7,700) cash package to residents of Sikaman-Brofoyedu who helped recover the bodies of eight officials killed in a military helicopter crash earlier this month.
The gesture, described as a show of national gratitude, was delivered on Wednesday by National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who visited the remote Ashanti Region community on behalf of the president. The 13 individuals who participated in the recovery operation will also receive job offers commensurate with their skills, according to the administration.
The crash, which occurred on August 6 in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve in the Adansi Akrofrom District, claimed the lives of eight senior government and military officials, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. The victims were traveling on official duty.
Speaking to local residents, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah said, “The president has asked me to thank the residents who helped us recover the bodies of our eight men. We have a plaque for each of you in honor of what you did. The president is also giving GHS100,000 to support you.”
An additional GHS20,000 ($1,540) was allocated to the Adansi Traditional Council to support funeral rites and community needs arising from the tragedy. President Mahama has also pledged to improve infrastructure in the area, including rehabilitation of local roads.
The helicopter crash has prompted nationwide mourning and scrutiny over aviation safety for high-ranking officials. The Sikaman-Brofoyedu residents’ swift action in assisting with recovery efforts has been praised across political lines as an act of civic duty and courage.
The government has not yet released the final investigation report into the crash.
