President John Dramani Mahama led the state in bidding farewell to the 8 patriots who were killed in a tragic military helicopter crash at Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom district of the Ashanti Region.

The solemn final funeral rites were marked by military honours and emotional tributes by the family.

Here are highlights of President Mahama's speech during the final funeral rites

A reminder of life's fragility

The president emphasised that no technical explanation or probe into the fatal crash can make sense of the tragic end of the 8 lives.

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"Despite whatever technical reasons or official explanations and investigation were yield, a loss of this magnitude and in this manner will never make sense to the bereaved. What we can do, each of us in our own way, as we try to come to terms with this tragic loss, is to move in the direction of peace within our communities and families, having been reminded of how fragile life can be", he explained.

Promoting peace and upholding a vision of a prosperous nation

President Mahama urged Ghanaians to promote peace in their communities, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to build a prosperous nation, ensuring that the crash does not have a negative impact of the children of the victims.

"We can embrace the vision we shared with our falling brothers for a stronger and more prosperous homeland. What we can do together as a nation is make sure that the lives of those who remain specifically the children of our eight brothers do not become the collateral damage of this tragedy.

Posthumous promotion of 3 Ghana Air Force Officers

President John Mahama posthumously promoted the 3 Ghana Air Force officers who died in the helicopter crash, describing the gesture as a "small but meaningful recognition of their courage, professionalism, and selfless service."

The late Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala was promoted to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Addo Mensah to Flight Sergeant.

President Mahama stated that these promotions represent the "highest mark of respect for duty performed, even unto death," assuring that their families would receive the accompanying benefits. The Chief of Defence Staff will present the posthumous insignia to the bereaved families.



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"These are not just symbolic gestures, they represent the rightful place these officers have end in our republic's role of honour. And the benefits due to their families will be reflected in these new ranks. The Chief of the Defence Staff will oversee the ceremonial presentation of the consumers' promotion and significance to their families", he remarked.

Children's Support Fund

President Mahama announced that the government will establish a Children's Support Fund for the victim's children to cover education from the basic to tertiary level as well as health care and welfare support.

He noted that Stanbic Bank has opened an account with an initial GH¢500,000 contribution and the government will also make an immediate seed contribution.

"Governments will make an immediate seed contribution to this fund
and will operationalise and publish a detailed framework of the children support fund within the next 30 days. My office will ensure that the children support fund is sustained for the long time with annual public reporting on how it has been used", he added.

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Ghana Mourns: Caskets of fallen heroes carried with honour to the Black Star Square