Apostle Erezola John, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Ambassadors for Christ Council in Techiman, in the Bono East Region, has stated his disagreement with the government for giving the residents of Sikaman-Brofoyedu a pecuniary reward for their support in recovering bodies from a recent military helicopter crash.
The crash, which occurred on 6th August, 2025, resulted in the loss of eight lives, and the residents of Sikaman-Brofoyedu played a crucial role in recovering the bodies.
President John Dramani Mahama has honoured 13 residents of Sikaman-Brofoyedu for their bravery in recovering the bodies with a GH¢100,000 reward.
The package was presented by Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), who visited the community on Wednesday, 27 August, to personally thank the rescuers on behalf of the President and government.
The tragic crash, which occurred in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve in the Adansi Akrofuom District, claimed the lives of eight (8) high-profile 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 accident.
The President has 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.
As part of the support, President Mahama donated GH¢100,000 to the rescuers and an additional GH¢20,000 to the Adansi Traditional Council for related rites.
He also announced that all thirteen (13) individuals involved in the recovery efforts would be offered employment opportunities based on their skills and capabilities. Furthermore, the President has committed to improving infrastructure in the community.
The gesture is being widely regarded as a significant recognition of the bravery and sacrifice demonstrated by the Sikaman-Brofoyedu community during one of the nation’s most painful tragedies.
However, Apostle John believes that the money could have been better utilized for infrastructural projects in the community.
In an exclusive interview with Fabea FM's Apiah-Kubi, Apostle John noted that the residents should have acknowledged and given the money to the leaders for projects that could benefit the commuters.
He highlighted some projects like roads, schools, electricity, and water systems, which he believes would have a more lasting impact on the community.
"The chiefs and the people should've known better to identify their problems and directed them to use the monies to redress such problems," Apostle John criticized.
He added that the beneficiaries can spend the money in a short time, leaving their challenges unsolved.
"I opine that the president should've also considered their challenges and focus on them, rather than giving them the money. I think the amount is so huge," he stated.
Apostle John acknowledged that the government likely intended the reward as recognition for the residents' bravery, but he still believes the funds could have been better utilized elsewhere.
"While the beneficiaries argue that the reward was a well-deserved recognition of the bravery, I believe that the money could have been better spent on projects that would benefit the community in the long run" Apostle John concluded.
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