The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has honoured the memory of three servicemen who perished in the Adansi helicopter crash, with the presentation of posthumous ranks and insignia to their bereaved families at a solemn ceremony held at the Air Force Headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
The event was presided over by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, following the awards conferred by President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The servicemen honoured were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. Their posthumous promotions saw Squadron Leader Anala elevated to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu promoted to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Mensah advanced to Flight Sergeant.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the ceremony was aimed at dignifying the fallen heroes by officially conferring on them the ranks awarded by the President, and by presenting the corresponding insignia to their families.
Lieutenant General Agyapong, while presenting the insignia, conveyed his condolences to the grieving families and acknowledged the overwhelming support shown by sympathisers across the country since the tragic accident.
In his address, the CDS assured that the government had assembled a comprehensive package for all eight victims of the crash. He noted that this would be presented to their families at the appropriate time, in addition to every other benefit due to them as servicemen.
He also proposed the establishment of a child care fund, stressing that the tragedy should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by uniformed personnel.
“The fund will adequately cater for dependents, especially children, in the unfortunate event of death in the line of duty,” Lieutenant General Agyapong explained.
He further expressed appreciation to the Government, the Ministry of Defence, the Military Council, and other organisations for the immense support extended to the Ghana Armed Forces during this difficult time.
Air Force Tribute and Financial Support
The Chief Staff Officer at the Air Force Headquarters, Air Commodore Mathias Awuah, lauded the posthumous honours, stressing that promotions remain the aspiration of all personnel and therefore the recognition of the fallen comrades was both symbolic and commendable.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frimpong, also addressed the gathering, recalling that promotions within the military are traditionally celebrated at the mess.
However, in light of the tragedy, the CDS considered it fitting to invite the families of the deceased and personally present the insignia on their behalf.
He reassured the families that they would receive the full benefits and entitlements accruing to the new ranks, underscoring that the sacrifice of the officers would never be forgotten.
In addition to the insignia, the families were presented with an amount of three hundred and fifteen thousand Cedis (GHC 315,000.00), raised through donations from organisations, institutions, and individuals. The Ministry of Defence indicated that all other entitlements due to the families would be provided at a later date.
Reverend MacDouglas Ampadu, speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, expressed gratitude to the CDS and the Ghana Armed Forces for their support and presence during what he described as a period of “grave loss.”
The solemn ceremony formed part of a series of national efforts to honour the memory of the servicemen who died in the August 6 Adansi crash, as the country continues to mourn all eight victims, including two cabinet ministers.
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