Iron and steel manufacturing company B5 Plus Group and DPS International School have awarded full scholarships to the children of the eight Ghanaians who perished in the tragic military helicopter crash in August.

A total of 16 children, two from each of the eight bereaved families, have been awarded full scholarships covering their education from basic school through to A-Levels.

The scholarship package, valued at an estimated $5,000 to $7,000 per student annually, covers a wide range of costs, including tuition fees, uniforms, textbooks, and boarding facilities where necessary, ensuring the children's educational journey is fully secured.

The crash, which occurred on August 6 in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians who were en route to an official mission aimed at combating illegal mining.

Among those onboard were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot, Flying Officer Mane Twum-Ampadu, co-pilot and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, flight technician.

The presentation was done by Mukesh Thakwani, the visionary Founder and CEO of B5 Plus and DPS International, in the company of his family and some officials of the B5 Plus Group.

In recognition of their sacrifice and contribution to national service, B5 Plus Group and DPS International School have extended full scholarships to the children of the eight victims.

The announcement was made during a short ceremony at the Office of the Chief of Staff, with government officials present.

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who received the scholarship offer on behalf of the families, commended the initiative as a powerful example of the private sector's commitment to nation-building and social responsibility.

Presidential Advisor on Legal Affairs, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, praised the scholarship's focus on investing in human capital.

She highlighted the long-term benefits of providing quality education to the affected children and commended DPS International for its excellent academic reputation.

To illustrate the school’s pedigree, she cited the notable alumnus, Oheneba Kwame Kyeretwie, son of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is currently pursuing a degree in Astronomy at Wesleyan University in the United States.

This act of benevolence aligns with the ethos of B5 Plus Group, a market leader in steel manufacturing, which has a well-documented history of philanthropic activities, including an annual free health check-up and blood donation campaign through its B5 Plus Care Foundation.

Appiah-Oppong stated that the initiative would be “warmly received by the President, as it serves as a meaningful tribute to the lives lost.”

The scholarship not only honours the memory of the victims but also provides a tangible path forward for their children, ensuring that the legacy of their parents' service to the nation is honoured through a secure and promising future.

Mr Thakwani and B5 Plus Group have been at the forefront of several philanthropic initiatives since the inception of the company in 2002.

B5 Plus Limited manufactures and trades high-quality, well-finished iron and steel products that are widely recognised for their durability and excellence, leading to several international awards and recognitions.