Mahama Unveils GH¢1m Trust Funds for Children of Helicopter Crash Victims

President John Dramani Mahama has rolled out a comprehensive compensation and welfare package for the families of the eight officials killed in the 2025 Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash, anchored by the creation of GH¢1 million trust funds for every minor child left behind.

At a ceremony in Accra on Thursday, the President said the measures fulfil the government’s pledge to provide lasting support to the bereaved families, shifting assistance beyond immediate compensation to long-term financial security and educational investment.

The package includes 13 professionally managed trust accounts at Stanbic Bank, each seeded with GH¢1 million for the deceased officials’ minor children. The funds will be managed to finance education while preserving and growing the capital over time.

In addition, six GH¢1 million fixed-deposit accounts have been established for the adult children of former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong and the eldest daughter of Mohammed-Muniru Limuna. The deposits will initially remain locked for three months to allow beneficiaries time to plan their use.

President Mahama also announced that the Accra Circuit Court had awarded GH¢13.87 million in compensation to the dependants of the four civilian officials under Ghana’s Workmen’s Compensation Act, while compensation for the military personnel has been processed under Armed Forces regulations.

Beyond financial support, every affected family has been enrolled on the highest-tier health insurance package under Nationwide Medical Insurance, providing annual healthcare coverage worth GH¢3 million per family and access to 942 accredited healthcare providers nationwide.

Describing the Children’s Support Fund as “a solemn national obligation” rather than charity, Mr Mahama said the initiative reflects the state’s enduring responsibility to safeguard the future of the children of those who died in public service.

The helicopter crash in August 2025 claimed the lives of eight senior government and military officials, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Mohammed-Muniru Limuna, NADMO Deputy Director-General Samuel Aboagye and three military officers.