Residents of Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom District are calling on the government to acknowledge their role in the rescue efforts following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including two ministers and senior military officers.
Hon. Kwame Seth, Unit Committee Chairman, speaking on OTEC 102.9 FM’s Dwabrem show on Monday, August 18, 2025, revealed that locals were the first to reach the crash site. He explained that community members braved dangerous forest terrain to help recover victims long before security agencies arrived.
“While we are not demanding much from government, we expect some form of recognition for our contributions,” he stressed.
The helicopter went down near Sikaman–Brofoyedu on August 6, plunging the nation into mourning. President John Mahama declared three days of national mourning, with state funerals later held in Accra for the victims.
Beyond their rescue efforts, Sikaman residents say they are now facing fresh challenges. Farmers in the area report restricted access to farmlands near the crash site, a situation that has disrupted livelihoods. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has begun compiling a list of affected farmers for possible support.
Residents insist that while the nation rightly honours the deceased, the sacrifices of their community should also be recognized.
