President Mahama has announced that officers of the Ghana Armed Forces who died in the August 6 helicopter crash will receive posthumous promotions in their respective fields.
Reading his tribute during an interdenominational state funeral held on Friday, August 15, 2025, the President said the Chief of Defence Staff will oversee the ceremonial presentation of the posthumous promotion insignias to their families in honour of these officers.
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala has been promoted to the rank of Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah to the rank of Flight Sergeant.
“Promotions in our Armed Forces are never given lightly, and posthumous promotions are the highest mark of respect for duty performed even unto death. Accordingly, I have approved the following: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala is promoted to the rank of Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu is promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah is promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant,” the President stated.
The President emphasized that these posthumous promotions are not just symbolic gestures but represent the rightful place these officers have earned in the country’s effort to honour them. He added that the benefits due to their families will be reflected in these new ranks.
Eight persons on the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter lost their lives when it crashed on August 6, 2025, at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region. They were en route to Obuasi to attend the launch of the Responsible Community and Cooperative Mining Programme.
The individuals who died in the accident were Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
The other crew members who died in the accident were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
