President Mahama Launches Children’s Support Fund for Helicopter Crash Victims

In a solemn yet hopeful gesture, President John Dramani Mahama has announced the establishment of a Children’s Support Fund to provide long-term care for the children of the eight victims who perished in the tragic August 6 helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District. The announcement was made during the state funeral held in Accra, where the nation paid tribute to the fallen public servants and military personnel.

The victims included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three Ghana Armed Forces officers. They were en route to a government function in Obuasi when their helicopter crashed.

The Children’s Support Fund is designed to provide:

Education support: From primary school through tertiary or technical training

Healthcare: Including medical insurance and specialized care

Welfare assistance: Covering clothing, shelter, and essential living expenses

President Mahama emphasized that the fund reflects Ghana’s culture of collective responsibility and compassion. “The absence of these parents must not translate into hardship for their children,” he said.

Stanbic Bank has opened an account for the fund with an initial contribution of GH¢500,000. The President’s office will ensure:

Annual public reporting on fund usage

A published framework within 30 days

Channels for contributions from citizens, corporations, and international partners

In a poignant moment, President Mahama quoted a poem written by the late Dr. Omane Boamah to a disabled child he once helped: “You’re not alone. You’ve got me. Friends who care. Family and love.”

This message, Mahama said, will now echo through the lives of the children left behind.