Accra: Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang led a government delegation to visit the families of five civilian victims of the helicopter tragedy that occurred on August 6th. The visit was conducted on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, who is currently on a working visit to Japan, to offer comfort to the widows and children of the deceased and to assess their current well-being.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Vice President's delegation included Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Presidency; Dr. Valarie Sawyerr, a Senior Presidential Advisor for Governmental Affairs; Mr. Alex Segbefia, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President; and Mr. Seth Terkper, Economic Advisor to the President. They visited the families of Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Human Security, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Defence Minister, and Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology.
The Limuna Family expressed gratitude to the government for the visit, noting its significance in providing strength and comfort during this challenging time. Hajia Shamima Muslim, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, addressed the media, stating that President Mahama had instructed the delegation to visit each bereaved family to check on their well-being, particularly focusing on the spouses and children.
She highlighted that the Acting President, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang, led the delegation in President Mahama's absence to personally communicate the President's commitment to supporting the families through this difficult period. She also mentioned the announcement of the Children's Support Fund to aid families with young children still in school.
Hajia Shamima Muslim revealed that numerous donations were already being received, and encouraged those interested in contributing to visit government communication portals for information on how to donate to the Children's Support Fund. This initiative aims to ensure that the government fulfills the roles and responsibilities that the deceased fathers would have provided for their families.
Furthermore, Hajia Shamima Muslim noted that discussions were ongoing about supporting the adult children of the victims in pursuing their aspirations, reflecting the government's steadfast commitment to them. "Today, we came to reassure the families that the President is with them and will support them throughout this very difficult period," she stated.
