The President of the Republic of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama, has announced posthumous promotions for three Ghana Armed Forces officers who died in the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region, describing the move as the nation’s highest mark of respect for duty carried out to the very end.
Speaking at the interdenominational state funeral held at the Black Star Square on Friday, August 15, 2025, the President said the decision was made to reflect the heroism and service of the fallen crew.
In his tribute, President Mahama announced that Squadron Leader Peter Obafemi Anala has been promoted to the rank of Wing Commander. Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu is now promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, while Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah has been elevated to the rank of Flight Sergeant.
The President explained that the ceremonial presentation of the posthumous promotion insignias will be overseen by the Chief of Defence Staff, who will hand them to the bereaved families on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“Promotions in our Armed Forces are never given lightly, and posthumous promotions are the highest mark of respect for duty performed even until death. Accordingly, I have approved the following: Squadron Leader Peter Obafemi Anala is promoted to the rank of Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu is promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah is promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant”.
HE President John Dramani Maham
President Mahama stressed that these promotions were not merely symbolic but represented the “rightful place these officers have earned” in the nation’s roll of honour.
He assured that the benefits due to their families would be calculated in accordance with the newly conferred ranks, ensuring that their sacrifice is recognized both in principle and in material terms.
Beyond the military honours, the President said the nation will not forget the civilians who also perished in the crash. He indicated that they will be posthumously recognised at the next national mourners ceremony, acknowledging their contributions and the loss felt across the country.
The tragic accident claimed eight lives, including five high-profile civilians and three military officers, when a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crashed at Adansi Akrofuom while en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Community and Cooperative Mining Programme.
The victims of the crash included Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology; NDC 2O24 parliamentary candidate and Deputy Director General of NADMO, Samuel Aboagye; National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman, Samuel Sarpong; and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
The three military officers—Squadron Leader Peter Obafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—were the crew members on board.
The mood at the Black Star Square was sombre, with military personnel, government officials, family members, and citizens gathered under the weight of collective grief. National flags flew at half-mast, and the eight caskets, draped in red, gold, and green, stood as silent testaments to lives cut short in service and duty.
President Mahama’s remarks underscored the deep sense of loss felt not just by the Ghana Armed Forces but by the entire nation.
He spoke of the courage it takes to serve in uniform, particularly in roles that require constant readiness to respond to national needs, even at personal risk. The posthumous promotions, he said, are meant to enshrine that courage in the official record of the Armed Forces.
The tragedy has stirred a national conversation about the risks faced by those in public service, particularly in sectors like defence and national security. While investigations into the cause of the crash continue, the President’s tribute served as a reminder that recognition of service often comes at a high price.
For the families left behind, the posthumous promotions bring both pride and pain—a public acknowledgment of their loved ones’ service, set against the enduring reality of their loss.
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