President John Mahama has rewarded 13 residents of Sikaman-Brofoyedu who helped in the recovery of the bodies of eight victims from the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, representing President Mahama, thanked the community and delivered a package of support on behalf of the government.
Speaking to the resident, Asiedu Nketia stated, “The President has asked me to represent him and thank the residents who helped us recover the bodies of our eight men. We have a plaque for all of you in honour of what you did.
“The president is also giving you GHS100,000 for what you did for the country. For the rites left to be done, the president is also giving the chiefs GHS20,000. Whatever will be left behind let your DCEs and party chairmen know so we clear those.”
Asiedu Nketia also revealed, President Mahama is committed to improving infrastructure in the area.
He added, “President Mahama has also assured to fix your road”.
The NDC Chairman further revealed that the 13 individuals involved in the body recovery efforts would be offered jobs.
Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.
The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.
Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.
The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The victims lost their lives en route to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Obuasi on August 6, 2025.
In addition, Dr Valerie Sawyerr, Senior Presidential Advisor on Governmental Affairs and Coordinator of the Fund, has revealed that GH¢2.315 million has been collected so far in the support fund children of victims of the August 6 helicopter crash.
The Support Fund was launched by President John Mahama on August 15.
It aimed to guarantee long-term support for dependents of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident.
According to the Presidency statement, a GH¢500,000 seed donation was made by Stanbic Bank Ghana, with other contributions from several corporate entities.
Procus GH Limited, GB Foods Ghana, Sunda FM Manufacturing Ltd, Sage Distribution Ltd, Quantum Oil Terminals, Quantum LPG Logistics Ltd, Newgas Cylinder Ltd, and Quantum Terminals PLC all contributed to the children’s in support fund.
Dr. Valerie Sawyerr also revealed that donations can be made through designated Stanbic Bank Ghana accounts in cedis or dollars.
She also revealed that a list of donors will be published weekly for transparency purposes.
Meanwhile, the Acting Minister for Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced the Investigation Board constituted to inquire into the fatal August 6, 2025, helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.
In a statement dated Monday, August 25, 2025, Ato Forson stated, “The Ministry of Defence hereby informs the public that the Investigation Board established to inquire into the recent Z9 helicopter crash has formally commenced its work. The Board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with membership drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana).
“The United States of America is providing advice and assistance to the Board through visiting investigators from the U.S. Air Force,” he stated. “The Board may also invite other relevant experts and institutions, both local and international, to assist with the investigation,” he added.
The statement added that the Investigation Board is mandated to complete its work within 30 days.
