The People’s National Party (PNP) has commended President John Dramani Mahama for his decision to launch a fund in memory of the eight personalities who lost their lives in the recent helicopter crash, with the aim of sponsoring the education of their children.
However, the party has expressed its desire for the government to broaden the focus of the fund beyond the eight personalities.
According to the National Chairman of the party, Madam Janet Nabla, the fund should be national in nature and dedicated to supporting the children of any Ghanaian who dies while serving the state.
She extended the party’s deepest condolences to the families of the gallant men who recently lost their lives in service to the country.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, she noted that the party had taken note of the President’s intention to create a fund for the children of the deceased.
While acknowledging the good intentions behind the President’s approach, she argued that it is inadequate and unsustainable.
A fund, she explained, can be depleted, discontinued, or politicised, and may become a token gesture that fades away with time.
The PNP therefore firmly rejects the creation of a temporary fund as the sole measure of support. Instead, the party calls for the urgent passage of the National Heroes Dependants Protection Act – a permanent, state-backed welfare system enshrined in law, funded through the Consolidated Fund, and administered under the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
Madam Nabla emphasised that the Act must provide a monthly salary-style stipend to the widows to cater for the children and, in some cases, the parents of the deceased who have no other children for support.
Furthermore, the Act must guarantee that such benefits are not politicised and remain consistent regardless of which party forms the government.
Additionally, the Act must ensure that the children of the deceased are supported through their education, and upon completion of tertiary studies, are given priority employment opportunities within the public sector.
According to Madam Nabla, the families of personalities who died while serving the country must not be left vulnerable to the changing winds of politics or the exhaustion of public sympathy.
She stressed that a strong, permanent legislative framework is the only way to ensure that the debt owed to them is honored not for a few years, but for generations to come.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
