“Ghana Must Do Better: Supporting Families of Public Servants Who Die in Service”
"Ghana Must Do Better: Supporting Families of Public Servants Who Die in Service"
“Ghana Must Do Better: Supporting Families of Public Servants Who Die in Service”
The recent tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two ministers and six others has brought to the forefront the plight of families left behind when public servants die in service. As the nation mourns the loss of these lives, it is essential that we also consider the long-term impact on their families and dependents.
A Pattern of Forgotten Families History has shown that families of public servants who die in service are often forgotten after the initial outpouring of sympathy. The case of the late President John Evans Atta Mills’ family, who received limited support after his death, serves as a reminder of this pattern. Similarly, the family of Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama, who was lynched by a mob in 2017, has struggled to receive sustained support.
Sustainable Support Systems To address this issue, there is a need for sustainable support systems that provide ongoing assistance to families of public servants who die in service. This could include:
1.Scholarships and educational trusts for the children of the deceased
2.Skills training and business support for surviving spouses
3.Counseling and mental health services for families dealing with grief and trauma
4.Pension schemes and insurance policies that provide ongoing support
National Framework
A comprehensive national framework is necessary to address the welfare of families of all public servants who die in service. This framework should provide a structured approach to supporting these families, ensuring that they receive the assistance they need to move forward.
Collective Responsibility
The support of families of public servants who die in service is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of government, civil society organizations, and individual citizens. By working together, we can create a system that honors the memory of the departed while securing the future of those they loved most.
As we mourn the loss of these lives, let us commit to doing better for their families. Let us create sustainable pathways of support that will make a lasting impact on their lives.
