Fallen Adansi Helicopter Crash Victims Receive Posthumous Promotions

The Ghana Armed Forces has posthumously honoured servicemen who lost their lives in the Adansi helicopter crash, presenting their families with new ranks and insignia in a solemn ceremony at the Air Force Headquarters in Accra.

The event, held on Tuesday, August 19, was led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, who conferred the promotions on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces. Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala was elevated to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah to Flight Sergeant.

Lt. Gen. Agyapong extended his condolences to the grieving families and praised the support shown by Ghanaians during the tragedy. He revealed that the government had prepared a comprehensive package for all eight victims of the crash, to be released soon, along with other entitlements. He also suggested the establishment of a child care fund to support dependents of officers who die in the line of duty, stressing that “such tragedies must serve as a wake-up call for better welfare support for military families.”

Air Commodore Mathias Awuah, Chief Staff Officer at the Air Force Headquarters, welcomed the decision to honour the fallen heroes, noting that promotions were a significant milestone for every soldier. Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frimpong, added that while such achievements are usually celebrated at the mess, the circumstances demanded a more solemn approach, with families receiving insignia on behalf of the servicemen. He reassured them that “all entitlements due to the new ranks would be honoured in full.”

As part of the ceremony, families of the three officers were presented with GH¢315,000, a donation pooled from institutions, organisations, and individuals across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families, Reverend MacDouglas Ampadu expressed their appreciation, saying they were “profoundly grateful to the CDS, the Ghana Armed Forces, and all sympathisers for their steadfast support during this period of grief.”