The government has unveiled a comprehensive long-term support package for the children of the eight state officials who died in the August helicopter crash, including trust funds, health insurance coverage and education support initiatives.
The intervention includes the establishment of 13 Stanbic Bank trust accounts, each funded with GH¢1 million, to support the long-term welfare and future development of the affected children.
The beneficiaries also received Children’s Fund investment certificates, commemorative medallions and legacy boxes containing personal letters signed by President John Dramani Mahama in honour of their deceased parents and guardians.
The government further announced GH¢3 million health insurance coverage for 27 beneficiaries, giving the affected families access to comprehensive healthcare services through Nationwide Medical Insurance.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Accra, President Mahama said the initiative was intended to provide long-term support rather than financial compensation for the loss of the victims.
“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,” he said.
The President said every affected family had been enrolled on the insurer’s premier healthcare plan, which provides access to 942 accredited healthcare providers across Ghana.
In addition to the trust accounts for the children, the government established six fixed deposit accounts for the five adult children of Dr. Samuel Sarpong and the first daughter of Alhaji Muniru Limuna, with GH¢1 million deposited into each account.
A three-month holding period has been applied to the fixed deposits to allow the investments to appreciate while enabling beneficiaries to plan for the responsible use of the funds.
The support package follows the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, NDC National Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and members of the helicopter crew.
The victims were travelling from Accra to the Ashanti Region on an official assignment when the Ghana Air Force helicopter crashed in the Adansi area of the Ashanti Region.
President Mahama assured the bereaved families that the government would continue to support them, particularly in the areas of healthcare, education and the long-term welfare of the children left behind by the tragedy.
