Dennis Miracles Aboagye, aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is advocating for the establishment of a formal, long-term support system for the families of those who perished in the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
Aboagye emphasized the importance of sustained and intentional care, particularly for the children and spouses of the victims.
“What is crucial is that the children and the wives should at least be catered for,” he said. “Even friends can mobilise to do that, but what is important is that it must be intentional. The problem is, when it’s not institutionalised, everyone assumes someone else will step in.”
He urged the government to commit to covering the long-term educational and welfare needs of the victims’ children.
“For example, the one-month-old baby should be guaranteed support for education and well-being over the next 25 to 30 years—or at least through to university,” Aboagye explained. “It won’t be a major financial burden relative to the country’s overall expenditure. This kind of support must be protected from political changes to ensure the children’s future is secure.”
In a related development, President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to establish an Education Fund to assist the children of the deceased. The fund is expected to be officially launched during the state funeral on Friday, August 15. He made the announcement during the third-day funeral rites (Adua) of Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed on Tuesday, August 12.
The tragic crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District claimed the lives of several high-profile figures, including:
- Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
- Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed
- Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed
- Former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye
- NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
National mourning continues, with Ghanaians paying their respects in ceremonies held across the country. On Sunday, August 10, a memorial was held in honour of Dr. Murtala Muhammed and Muniru Mohammed, ahead of the upcoming state funeral.
