Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko, has made an emotional appeal to the public to contribute at least GH¢1 each to
Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko, has made an emotional appeal to the public to contribute at least GH¢1 each to support the families of victims who lost their lives in the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
The fatal incident, which claimed eight lives including high-ranking military officers, has plunged the nation into mourning.
The helicopter, reportedly on a routine military mission, went down in the Ashanti Region under circumstances still under investigation by the Ghana Armed Forces and an independent aviation safety team.
Afoko, in a statement on Sunday, said the scale of the tragedy demanded a collective national response.
He stressed that the contributions were not about the size of the amount but about the spirit of solidarity.
“If every Ghanaian donates just one cedi, we can raise millions to assist the grieving families in rebuilding their lives,” he said.
He recalled similar moments in Ghana’s history when citizens rallied together in times of crisis, citing the 2015 June 3 disaster relief efforts as an example of how small contributions from many can yield significant results.
“We have seen it before, and we can do it again. Our people are generous when called upon,” he added.
The former NPP chairman explained that the collected funds would be transparently managed by a designated committee of reputable individuals, including religious leaders, civil society representatives, and auditors, to ensure accountability and equitable distribution to the victims’ dependents.
Afoko’s call comes at a time when the nation is grappling with emotional tributes, state-led funeral arrangements, and ongoing political debate about the state of the country’s military equipment.
Some critics have linked the tragedy to inadequate maintenance of the aging fleet, while others have urged against politicising the matter during the mourning period.
The August 6 crash victims included two Muslim officers whose burial took place on August 10 in accordance with Islamic rites, and six others who will receive full military honours at a state funeral scheduled later this week.
President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and several political leaders have visited the bereaved families to offer condolences.
Afoko concluded his appeal by stressing that even amid political differences, moments like this require unity.
“We cannot bring them back, but we can stand by those they left behind,” he said.
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