President John Dramani Mahama has expressed heartfelt gratitude to 13 residents of Sikaman-Brofoyedu who bravely assisted in recovering the bodies of eight victims from the tragic military helicopter crash in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve on August 6, 2025, in the Ashanti Region.

The accident, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofrom District, claimed the lives of several senior government officials, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

The victims were on official duty at the time of the crash.

Representing the President, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), visited the community on Wednesday, August 27, to personally commend the rescuers and deliver a package of government support.

Mr. Asiedu Nketiah presented the residents with a plaque of honour and announced a cash package of GHS100,000 for the 13 individuals who took part in the recovery efforts.

In addition, the Adansi Traditional Council received GHS20,000 to support the rites and cultural obligations connected to the tragedy.

“The President asked me to represent him and thank the residents who helped us recover the bodies of our eight men.

We have a plaque for all of you in honour of what you did. The President is also giving you GHS100,000 for your efforts, and GHS20,000 to the chiefs for the rites that must be performed,” Mr. Asiedu Nketiah told the gathering.

Beyond the financial support, the government pledged to offer employment opportunities to all 13 rescuers, tailored to their individual skills and capacities.

Mr. Asiedu Nketiah also relayed the President’s commitment to addressing the community’s pressing infrastructure needs, particularly the rehabilitation of the road linking Sikaman-Brofoyedu to nearby towns.

“President Mahama has also assured to fix your road,” he added.

The support package is being widely regarded as a significant acknowledgement of the community’s courage and sacrifice during a period of national mourning.