Politics · Michael Teye Amartey

PREZ. MAHAMA PRESENTS SUPPORT PACKAGE TO FAMILIES OF HELICOPTER CRASH VICTIMS

President John Dramani Mahama has presented support packages to the families of the eight people who died in the August seven helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. 

Speaking at the Presidency yesterday, he acknowledged that no amount of financial assistance could compensate for the loss of their loved ones.

The victims included Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; National Democratic Congress, NDC, Vice Chairman, Dr Samuel Sarpong; former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye, pilot Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; co-pilot Flying Officer, Manin Twum-Ampadu; and crew member Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah of the Defence Industry. 

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The eight victims died when a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crashed while on an official assignment. 

The government has since described them as public servants who died in the line of duty. As part of the support package, the President announced several interventions.

First, the government will deposit one million cedis into dedicated Stanbic Bank accounts established for the children of each of the eight victims. 

The fund is intended to support their education and general welfare. Secondly, the affected families have been enrolled on the premium plan of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS. He assured the families that the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the Chief of Staff and other relevant government agencies will continue to work with them to provide any additional assistance they may require.