President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep appreciation to 13 residents of Sikaman-Brofoyedu in the Adansi Akrofrom District for their bravery in recovering the bodies of eight high-profile government officials who perished in the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
Representing the President, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah visited the community on Wednesday, August 27, to convey the President’s gratitude, deliver a support package, and formally recognize the residents’ sacrifice.
The fatal crash, which occurred in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve, claimed the lives of key government officials, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. The officials were reportedly on official duty when their helicopter went down, sparking a large-scale rescue and recovery effort.
Addressing the community, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah said:
“The President has asked me to represent him and personally thank the residents who risked their lives to help us recover the bodies of our eight men. We have a plaque for each of you in honour of what you did for the country.”
As part of the government’s package, the President donated GHS100,000 to the 13 rescuers, with an additional GHS20,000 presented to the Adansi Traditional Council to support community rites associated with the tragedy. Mr. Asiedu Nketiah also assured the residents that all 13 individuals involved in the recovery operation would be offered jobs tailored to their skills and capacities.
Beyond the direct assistance, the President further pledged to improve local infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of roads linking Sikaman-Brofoyedu and adjoining communities.
“The President has assured that your road will be fixed,” Asiedu Nketiah emphasized, noting that government would work closely with district authorities and traditional leaders to address any outstanding needs.
The support package has been widely welcomed as a significant acknowledgment of the courage and sacrifice demonstrated by the local rescuers, whose swift response ensured that the remains of the victims were retrieved for proper state burial.
The incident has been described as one of the darkest moments in Ghana’s recent history, sparking grief across the nation and prompting renewed discussions about aviation safety and emergency preparedness.
