Ghana’s military leadership on Tuesday posthumously promoted three Air Force personnel killed in the recent Adansi helicopter crash, awarding ranks and insignia to their families in a solemn ceremony at the Air Force Headquarters in Accra.
Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), presided over the event, presenting the insignia of the newly conferred ranks and expressing condolences on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). The promotions, approved by President and Commander-in-Chief John Dramani Mahama, are part of broader efforts to recognize the service and sacrifice of the eight personnel lost in the crash.
The honored servicemen included Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, who was elevated posthumously to Wing Commander; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, promoted to Flight Lieutenant; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, promoted to Flight Sergeant.
“These men stood tall in the service of their country,” Lt. Gen. Agyapong said, adding that “the entire nation owes them a debt that cannot be fully repaid.” He announced that a comprehensive support package for the families of all eight victims is being finalized and will be delivered in due course.
In addition to the ceremonial promotions, the families received a collective sum of GHS 315,000 (approximately $24,500), raised through donations from organizations, institutions, and individuals. Additional entitlements, the military said, will be disbursed at a later date.
Lt. Gen. Agyapong also proposed the establishment of a child care fund to support the dependents of personnel who die in the line of duty — a move aimed at strengthening the military’s long-term support infrastructure for bereaved families.
Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frimpong, Chief of Air Staff, noted that while military promotions are traditionally celebrated in the officers’ mess, the gravity of the tragedy warranted a more personal tribute involving the affected families. He pledged that all benefits tied to the new ranks would be honored in full.
Air Commodore Mathias Awuah, Chief Staff Officer at Air Force Headquarters, described the promotions as “a testament to the aspirations of every serviceman and woman,” and praised the military's leadership for ensuring that the sacrifices of the fallen are formally recognized.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Reverend MacDouglas Ampadu thanked the Armed Forces and government for their support, calling the tribute “a powerful reminder that our loved ones’ service has not been forgotten.”
The Adansi crash remains under investigation. The Ghana Armed Forces has not yet released the final report on the incident, which claimed the lives of eight service members during a training operation.
