President John Dramani Mahama has officially presented a comprehensive support package to the families of the eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in the devastating military helicopter crash that occurred on August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The presentation ceremony, held at the Presidency on Thursday, July 30, 2026, marked the full implementation of the government’s pledge to stand by the bereaved families beyond the period of national mourning.
The Tragedy
The Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter, with tail number GHF 631, went down on the morning of August 6, 2025, while on an official assignment from Accra to the Ashanti Region. An official investigation later attributed the crash to a sudden downdraft and poor weather conditions over hilly terrain, ruling out sabotage or mechanical failure.
All eight people on board perished in the tragedy. The victims included:
· Dr Edward Omane Boamah — Minister for Defence
· Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed — Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
· Alhaji Muniru Mohammed — Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
· Dr Samuel Sarpong — National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Vice Chairman and former Kumasi Mayor
· Samuel Aboagye — former NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Obuasi East and Deputy Director-General of NADMO
· Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala — pilot
· Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu — co-pilot
· Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — crew member
The Support Package
Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama acknowledged that no amount of financial assistance could compensate for the loss of their loved ones.
“No amount of financial support can replace your loved ones; no compensation can erase the pain of your loss,” the President said. “But I hope that today’s ceremony reminds you that the nation remembers their sacrifice.”
The comprehensive package includes the following interventions:
Healthcare Coverage: All 27 beneficiaries have been enrolled onto the premier plan of Nationwide Medical Insurance — the company’s highest level of healthcare coverage. The package provides annual healthcare benefits valued at GH¢3 million across all dependents and grants access to 942 accredited healthcare providers throughout Ghana. Each family has received a unique identification card for seamless access to healthcare services whenever needed.
Trust Accounts for Minor Children: The government has established 13 professionally managed Stanbic Bank trust accounts for the minor children of the deceased, with GH¢1 million deposited into each account to support their long-term welfare and education.
Fixed Deposit Accounts for Adult Children: Six fixed deposit accounts have been created — for the five adult children of Dr Samuel Sarpong and the first daughter of Alhaji Muniru Mohammed — each receiving GH¢1 million. The funds will be held for an initial three-month period to allow appreciation while giving beneficiaries time to make informed decisions about their use.
Children’s Support Fund: The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Children’s Support Fund, established in August 2025, which covers education from primary through to tertiary or technical training, as well as welfare support.
“Recognising that education is the greatest investment we can make into the future of these children, that conviction has led to the establishment of the Children’s Support Fund,” President Mahama said. “The fund is not an act of charity. It is a solemn national obligation to our fallen heroes.”
Legacy Boxes: Each family received a legacy box containing a personal letter signed by the President, a Children’s Fund investment certificate, and a commemorative medallion in honour of their deceased parents and guardians.
Statutory Compensation: On July 3, 2026, the Accra Circuit Court, acting under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1963 (Act 174), awarded a total compensation package of GH¢13,872,962.40 to the dependents of the four civilian officials who died in the tragedy. Compensation packages for the families of the fallen military personnel have also been processed in accordance with the Armed Forces Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1546).
Government’s Commitment
President Mahama stressed that the interventions should not be viewed as compensation for the loss of loved ones but as the government’s commitment to protecting the future of the children and families affected by the tragedy.
“These men and women served Ghana with dedication. It is our responsibility as a nation to stand with their families in this difficult time and into the future,” he stated.
The President assured the families that the Ministry of Defence, the Office of the Chief of Staff, and other relevant government agencies would continue to work with them to provide any additional assistance they may require.
