President John Dramani Mahama has conferred posthumous promotions on three Ghana Air Force personnel who perished in the August 6 military helicopter crash, honouring what he described as their “service and sacrifice to the nation.”
The Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces made the announcement during a solemn interfaith funeral service held at Independence Square on Friday, August 15, 2025, to pay final respects to the victims of the tragic incident.
The ceremony, marked by military precision and deep emotion, drew senior government officials, members of the military high command, bereaved families, and mourners from across the country. The air was heavy with grief as the caskets, draped in the national colours, were laid in state, accompanied by a guard of honour.
The servicemen honoured were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Under the posthumous promotions, Squadron Leader Anala has been elevated to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu promoted to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Mensah promoted to Flight Sergeant.
President Mahama described the deaths of the officers as “a great loss to the nation,” adding that they “died in the line of duty.” He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the bereaved families and ensuring that “their legacy of dedication and professionalism is remembered.”
The fatal crash, which occurred in the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of all eight personnel on board a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter. The August 6 incident sparked a nationwide outpouring of sympathy and grief, with investigations already underway to determine the cause.
As the final prayers were said and the military salutes fired, the President’s gesture of posthumous promotion served as both a tribute and a lasting honour to the memory of the fallen heroes. The nation, he assured, will never forget their sacrifice in the service of Ghana.
