Honour for military heroes, care for crash victims’ children

The nation was cloaked in both grief and resolve yesterday as President John Dramani Mahama announced the establishment of a Children’s Support Fund to secure the future of the children left behind by the victims of the tragic August 6 military helicopter crash. 

The President also announced the posthumous promotion of the three military officers involved in the crash, with the five civilians to be honoured later at the next state awards.

The solemn declarations came during a state funeral at the Black Star Square in Accra, where the nation bid farewell to its fallen patriots amidst tears, tributes and a stirring display of military honour.

With the sun casting long shadows over the gathered mourners, President Mahama said the purpose of the fund was to provide comprehensive support for the bereaved children, ensuring their education from primary through to the tertiary level, healthcare, including medical insurance and specialised treatment where needed, as well as essential welfare provisions such as shelter, clothing and living expenses.

His voice carried a quiet determination as he assured the nation that these children would not walk their path alone.

“Imagine the impact it will have on each of these children, who have been left behind by the death of their parents, to be told by the adults of this nation, through our contributions, just like Omane told Setor (a young boy beneficiary of the deceased Defence Minister’s generosity): ‘You are not alone. You’ve got me. Always there to share,” President Mahama said. 

Contribution

Already, the fund has received an immediate boost as Stanbic Bank, which has opened a dedicated account for the fund, has pledged an initial contribution of GH¢500,000, a gesture the President hailed as a testament to corporate Ghana’s solidarity.

President Mahama promised that within the next 30 days, a detailed framework would be made public, complete with mechanisms for transparency, including annual reports on the fund’s usage.

He also extended an invitation to citizens, businesses and international partners to join the effort, framing it as a collective national responsibility.

According to the President, in lifting up these children, Ghana honours its fallen patriots.

National honour

In a move that drew murmurs of approval from the assembled crowd, President Mahama also announced the posthumous promotion of the three Ghana Air Force officers who perished in the crash.

The three fallen soldiers get posthumous promotions 

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala was elevated to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Ernest Addo-Mensah to Flight Sergeant.

Describing the promotions as a small but meaningful recognition of their courage and sacrifice, the President affirmed that their families would receive the accompanying benefits.

The office of the Chief of Defence Staff is expected to later present the insignias to the grieving families in a separate ceremony.

The President also announced that the civilians involved in the crash, namely Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Samuel Sarpong, and Samuel Aboagye, would also be honoured at the next State awards. 

Farewell

The funeral itself was a poignant blend of military precision and raw emotion.

The Ghana Air Force band’s mournful melodies provided the backdrop as a 21-gun salute thundered across the square, its echoes lingering like the nation’s collective sorrow.

The ceremony reached its crescendo with a missing-man formation flypast, a final aerial salute to the departed.

President Mahama’s closing words resonated long after the last note of the bugle had faded.

“They flew their last flight in service to Ghana,” he said. “Now, we must serve their children with the same dedication.”

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic after the ceremony, a popular radio presenter, Wofa K, hailed the move to honour the fallen heroes and catering for their children as “thoughtful”.

He said as the nation absorbed the weight of the pledge, the Children’s Support Fund stood as both a promise and a challenge, a call to transform grief into enduring care.

Details on how the public can contribute to the fund will be released by the Office of the President in the coming weeks.