In a moving demonstration of corporate compassion and national solidarity, GCB Bank PLC, Ghana’s premier indigenous bank, has extended a helping hand to the children of the eight gallant men who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on 6th August 2025.
On Friday, 5th September 2025, a high-level delegation from the Bank, led by its Managing Director, Mr. Farihan Alhassan, presented a cheque of GHS1,000,000.00 to the Children’s Support Fund at the Presidency. The fund was established to provide care, education, and welfare support for the families left behind by the servicemen who perished in the line of duty.
A Gesture Beyond Money
Receiving the donation, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama expressed profound gratitude to the Bank for what he described as a “true act of patriotism.” The President highlighted that the support was not just financial but symbolic—a gesture that assured the bereaved families that the nation had not forgotten their loved ones’ sacrifice.
The atmosphere during the brief ceremony was one of quiet dignity and reflection. There were few words exchanged, yet the power of the gesture spoke volumes. The President emphasized that the nation must always remember those who give their lives in service and show care for the families they leave behind.
The Delegation
The GCB delegation included some of the Bank’s top executives:
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Socrates Afram, Chief Financial Officer
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Linus Kumi, Executive Head of Corporate Banking
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Other senior members of staff
On the side of the Presidency, present were Dr. Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to the President, and Joyce Bawah Mogtari (Esq.), Special Aide to the President. Together, they bore witness to a moment that underscored the enduring partnership between state institutions and corporate Ghana in the shared pursuit of national unity and resilience.
GCB’s Commitment to National Solidarity
Speaking during the presentation, Managing Director Farihan Alhassan reiterated the Bank’s sense of duty to stand with the bereaved families at this difficult time.
“We honour the courage of these men not just in words, but through meaningful support for those they left behind,” he said.
Mr. Alhassan further stressed that the donation was aligned with GCB Bank’s long-standing commitment to supporting communities, particularly in times of tragedy. He explained that while financial aid cannot replace the lives lost, it can help secure the future of the children by ensuring access to education, healthcare, and emotional care.
About the Children’s Support Fund
The Children’s Support Fund was set up in August 2025 as a national initiative to provide long-term care for the children and families of the servicemen who lost their lives in the helicopter crash of 6th August 2025.
The eight men were on national assignment when tragedy struck, cutting short their lives but etching their sacrifice into the collective memory of the nation. The Fund seeks to honour their service by ensuring their children are not left vulnerable but instead supported to thrive and achieve their potential.
The President has called on corporate Ghana, civil society, and individuals to contribute generously to the Fund as a way of showing gratitude and solidarity.
GCB Bank: A Pillar in Ghana’s Development
Founded in 1953, GCB Bank PLC has grown into one of Ghana’s largest and most trusted financial institutions. With 184 branches, 340 ATMs, and a wide network of banking agents across the country, the Bank has played a critical role in supporting Ghana’s growth.
Its impact spans across sectors such as:
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Oil and Gas
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Agriculture
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Commerce and Trade
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Infrastructure and Digital Finance
Over the years, GCB has transformed itself into a modern institution offering cutting-edge financial solutions, including digital payment platforms, mobile banking, and corporate financing. These innovations have reinforced its corporate reputation both locally and internationally.
The Bank’s guiding principle, “Your Bank for Life”, continues to resonate with customers and communities, reflecting a long-term commitment to trust, support, and collaboration.
National Healing Through Compassion
Friday’s donation was more than a corporate social responsibility act—it was a national healing moment. It served as a reminder that while lives may be lost, their memory and sacrifices are honoured when the nation comes together to care for those left behind.
The donation also signals the role of the private sector in national development, especially in times of tragedy. By standing with the government and affected families, GCB Bank reinforced the idea that corporate Ghana has a responsibility beyond profit-making—it has a duty to the people it serves.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of the eight gallant men on August 6, 2025, remains a painful chapter in Ghana’s recent history. Yet, moments like the GCB Bank donation illustrate how a nation can respond—with empathy, solidarity, and action.
As the Children’s Support Fund begins its mission to secure the futures of these children, the message is clear: Ghana remembers, Ghana cares, and Ghana stands together.
Through this gesture, GCB Bank has not only supported grieving families but has also set an example of corporate citizenship that other institutions are encouraged to emulate.
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