President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday visited the families of three Ghana Air Force personnel who died in a military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives last week, including several senior government officials.
The victims of the August 6 crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region included Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. They were part of a crew transporting top officials when the helicopter went down under still-unclear circumstances.
Among the other fatalities were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and National Democratic Congress Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong.
The deaths have shocked the West African nation, drawing large crowds to memorial services held over the weekend. A state funeral for all eight victims is scheduled for Friday, August 15, at Black Star Square in Accra.
During his visit with grieving families, President Mahama announced the launch of an education fund to support the children of the deceased. The initiative, he said, is designed to remove financial obstacles for dependents pursuing their education and to honor the legacy of those who died in service to the country.
“We must turn our mourning into motivation,” Mr. Mahama said, calling for a national recommitment to unity and progress in the wake of the tragedy.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
