Mahama launches children’s fund for helicopter crash victims’ families
President John Dramani Mahama has announced the creation of a Children’s Support Fund to support the education and welfare of the children left behind by the eight victims of the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6.
Speaking at the state funeral held on Friday, August 15, for six of the victims, the President described the crash as “a national tragedy that has cast its shadow over the heart of Ghana.”
He said the new fund will ensure that the children of the deceased receive full educational support from primary through to university or technical training as well as healthcare and general welfare assistance.
President Mahama revealed that Stanbic Bank has provided an initial seed capital of GHS500,000 to help launch the fund. The government, he added, will also make an immediate contribution and roll out the full operational framework within 30 days.
“The Fund for the children of the victims of the August 6, as has officially been named, will cover education from primary through to university or technical training, healthcare including medical insurance, specialised care where required, and welfare support, clothing, shelter, and special living expenses.”
“I wish to thank Stanbic, which has opened an account with an initial contribution of GHC500,000. The government will make an immediate seed contribution to this Fund. And will operationalise and publish a detailed framework of the Children’s Support Fund within the next 30 days,” he said.
He assured the public that the fund will be sustained through transparent, annual reporting, and will be open to contributions from individuals, corporate entities, and international partners.
Two of the victims, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator were buried on August 10 in line with Islamic rites.
The remaining six Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah were laid to rest following Friday’s state funeral at the Black Star Square in Accra.
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