Mahama presents govt's comprehensive compensation package to families of the tragic military helicopter crash

President John Dramani Mahama has presented the government's comprehensive compensation package to the families of the eight Ghanaians who lost their lives in the tragic military helicopter crash of August 6, 2025, reaffirming the nation's commitment to honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to Ghana.

The presentation ceremony, held on Thursday, July 30, fulfilled what the President described as a solemn national promise to provide meaningful and lasting support to the bereaved families.

While acknowledging that no financial package could replace the lives that were lost, President Mahama said the government had a moral obligation to ensure the families of the fallen heroes receive continued care and assistance.

Addressing the families, President Mahama said the compensation package represents more than financial support, describing it as a symbol of the nation's gratitude to the eight individuals who served Ghana with dedication and paid the ultimate price.

He also commended corporate organisations, public institutions and individual Ghanaians who contributed to the Children's Support Fund established to support the children of the deceased.

According to the President, transparency, accountability and prudent stewardship guided the management of all contributions received.

"This is how a grateful nation remembers its heroes—not only through words of tribute, but through enduring acts of care, responsibility and solidarity," President Mahama said.

Meanwhile, the government has announced a series of national activities to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragic military helicopter crash.

The programme was outlined in a statement issued on July 30 by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

According to the statement, the commemorative events are intended to honour the memory, sacrifice and patriotism of the "Departed Eight" while providing an opportunity for the nation to stand in solidarity with their families.

"As a nation, we must pause to remember, honour, and pay tribute to the selflessness, service, and sacrifice of the 'Departed 8'. In solidarity with the bereaved families, the Government, together with the Ministry of Defence, key stakeholders, and alumni groups, has planned a series of solemn national events," the statement said.

The government has announced the following programme to mark the anniversary:

July 30, 2026

• Official presentation of the State's compensation and support package to the families of the Departed Eight.

August 4, 2026

• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture
• Venue: Burma Hall, Burma Camp, Accra
• Time: 2:00 p.m.
• Organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Old Students Association of Pope John Senior High School (POJOBA).
• The event is open to the general public.

August 6, 2026

• National Inter-Faith Memorial Service
• Venue: UPSA Auditorium, Madina
• Time: 8:30 a.m.

The service will be attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, members of the Armed Forces Council, government officials, the bereaved families and invited guests.

August 6, 2026

• Unveiling of Memorial Cenotaph
• Time: 4:00 p.m.
• Organised by the Ministry of Defence.
• Attendance will be by invitation only.

August 8, 2026

• 'Service to the Soul' Nationwide Blood Donation Drive

The nationwide humanitarian exercise will be held at:

• District hospitals
• Regional hospitals
• Teaching hospitals
• 37 Military Hospital
• Other designated donation centres across the country

Government says the initiative aims to save lives while paying tribute to the memories of the fallen heroes.

The government has appealed to civil society organisations, religious bodies, the media, corporate institutions and all citizens to participate in the commemorative activities.

Special emphasis has been placed on the nationwide blood donation campaign, which officials describe as a meaningful and life-saving way of honouring the eight individuals who lost their lives.

According to the statement, the sacrifice and dedication of the deceased should continue to inspire national unity, patriotism and selfless service.

"The loss of these eight noble individuals remains a deeply painful chapter in our nation's history. However, their spirit of dedication to duty must continue to inspire us as a people," the statement noted.

Government urged all Ghanaians to visit the nearest participating health facility on Saturday, August 8, to donate blood in memory of the fallen heroes.

"This is an appropriate and life-saving way to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. Let us come together in unity, through prayer and with patriotic devotion, as we offer support to the families left behind and keep the memory of the deceased alive. May the souls of the Departed Eight continue to rest in perfect peace," Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated.