Sikaman residents demand recognition for role in helicopter crash response

Residents of Sikaman in the Adanse Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region have voiced frustration over what they describe as the government’s failure to acknowledge their vital role in the aftermath of the recent military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives.

The crash, which occurred on August 6, 2025, near Brofoyedru, killed two cabinet ministers, senior government officials, and three Ghana Air Force crew members. In the immediate aftermath, local residents of Sikaman and its surrounding communities braved difficult terrain to reach the wreckage in the thick forest and helped retrieve the charred bodies of the victims.

According to the Unit Committee Chairman, Hon. Kwame Seth, despite the sacrifices made by the people of Sikaman, their contributions have gone unnoticed. Speaking on OTEC 102.9 FM’s Dwabrem show on Monday, he explained that residents risked their safety trekking up the mountainous crash site and assisted security officials in moving the remains to safety.

“While we are not demanding much from the government, we expect some form of recognition for our contributions,” Hon. Seth said. He stressed that those who directly participated in the retrieval process, often without proper protective gear, deserve to be acknowledged and rewarded.

The residents are therefore calling on the government to show appreciation for their efforts, saying it would be a fitting gesture given the crucial part they played in responding to the tragedy.

The helicopter crash remains one of the deadliest in recent years, with investigations still ongoing into the cause of the accident. Meanwhile, the people of Sikaman insist that national recognition of their bravery would serve as an important reminder of the role ordinary citizens play in times of crisis.