Government to Establish Education Fund for Children of Helicopter Crash Victims
President John Mahama has announced the establishment of an Education Fund to cater for the children of the eight victims who lost their lives in last week’s Ghana Air Force helicopter crash.
The tragic incident occurred on August 6, 2025, when a Harbin Z-9 helicopter carrying high-ranking government officials and security personnel crashed en route to an anti-illegal mining programme in Obuasi. All eight passengers and crew on board perished, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed.
Speaking during the funeral rites of the late Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna on Tuesday, August 12, President Mahama said the fund will support the education and welfare needs of the children, some of whom are still in school, while one is only two months old. He added that contributions from the public and institutions would be welcomed to supplement government funding. The fund will be officially launched during the state funeral scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2025.
While the announcement has been widely welcomed, some political voices have called for a more permanent and legally binding approach. The People’s National Party (PNP) has rejected the idea of a temporary fund, urging instead for the enactment of a National Heroes Dependants Protection Act.
The proposed law would guarantee long-term financial, educational, and welfare support for dependants of public servants who lose their lives in the line of duty. It would also ensure that such benefits are protected from political changes and are funded through the state’s consolidated coffers.
The crash victims, described as patriotic servants of the nation, will be laid to rest during a state funeral at the Black Star Square. As preparations continue, many Ghanaians have expressed their condolences and pledged support for the bereaved families.
