President John Dramani Mahama has bestowed posthumous promotions on three Ghana Armed Forces personnel who perished in the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
The honoured officers are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manden Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. Their ranks have been elevated to Wing Commander, Flight Lieutenant, and Flight Sergeant respectively.
The announcement was made during the solemn funeral and burial service for six of the eight victims of the crash. With family members, fellow officers, and dignitaries in attendance, President Mahama emphasised that the gesture was far more than a symbolic act.
“They represent the rightful place these officers have earned in our republic’s role of honour,” he declared, underscoring their service and sacrifice to the nation.
The atmosphere at the ceremony was heavy with grief but also pride, as the Ghana Armed Forces and the nation paid tribute to the dedication and courage of the deceased.
The Tragic Crash
The fatal incident occurred in Adansi Akrofrom in the Ashanti Region, killing eight high-profile figures and military personnel. Among them were:
- Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
- Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
- Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General, NADMO
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Manden Twum-Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The disaster shocked the entire nation, prompting an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum and beyond Ghana’s borders.
In his remarks, President Mahama pledged continued support for the bereaved families, assuring them that their loved ones’ contributions to Ghana’s security would never be forgotten.
The posthumous promotions will be recorded in the official military rolls, cementing the names of the fallen in Ghana’s military history.
