President John Mahama on Friday announced the posthumous promotion of the Ghana Armed Forces personnel who were killed in a helicopter crash earlier this month, as the nation held a state funeral to honour the servicemen.
The crash, which occurred on August 6 during what officials described as a routine mission, has led to widespread mourning and renewed calls for enhanced aviation safety protocols within the military. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Among those honoured were Wing Commander Peter Baafemi Anala, Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Flight Sergeant Mensah Addo Ernest. Their new ranks were conferred formally by the Ghana Armed Forces during the ceremony, which was attended by senior government officials, military commanders, foreign dignitaries, and bereaved family members.
“These men were true patriots who paid the ultimate price in service to their country,” President Mahama said in his remarks. “Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will forever be etched in our national memory.”
The president also pledged ongoing state support for the victims’ families, vowing to ensure that the legacies of the fallen servicemen are preserved.
The military has committed to concluding its investigation into the crash and implementing additional safety measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
The state funeral featured full military honours and marked a solemn moment for a country grappling with the loss of experienced personnel from its armed forces.
