Helicopter crash: GAF presents ranks and insignia to bereaved families
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, has presented ranks and insignia to the bereaved families of personnel of the Adansi helicopter crash at the Air Force Headquarters, Accra, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
This follows awards conferred on the three servicemen by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, John Dramani Mahama.
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 was elevated to Wing Commander; Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu was promoted to Flight Lieutenant; and Sergeant Mensah was promoted to Flight Sergeant.
The ceremony was aimed at honouring the fallen heroes by officially conferring on them the ranks posthumously awarded by the President. The corresponding insignia was also presented to the families.
In an address, the CDS conveyed his condolences to the families and thanked sympathisers who had contributed in diverse ways during the period.
He emphasised that, government had put together a holistic package for all eight victims of the crash, which would be presented at an appropriate time, in addition to every other benefit due to them.
Lt. General Agyapong stressed that the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to all uniformed personnel by proposing the establishment of a child care fund.
He espoused that the fund will adequately cater for dependents, especially children, in the unfortunate event of death in the line of duty.
He expressed appreciation to the Government, Ministry of Defence, the Military Council, and other organisations for their immense support to the Ghana Armed Forces.
The Chief Staff Officer at the Air Force Headquarters, Air Commodore Mathias Awuah, intimated that promotions are the aspirations of all personnel; as such, the honour done to the fallen comrades was commendable.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frimpong, in his remarks, stated that promotions in the military are traditionally celebrated at the mess.
However, given the circumstances, the CDS deemed it fitting to invite the families of the fallen and present the insignia on their behalf. He assured the families that they would receive the full benefits and entitlements accruing to the new ranks.
In addition, the families were presented with an amount of three hundred and fifteen thousand Cedis (GHC 315,000.00). An amount accrued through donations from supporting organisations, institutions and individuals. He indicated that all other entitlements would be made available at a later date.
Reverend MacDouglas Ampadu, speaking on behalf of all three families, expressed gratitude to the CDS and the Ghana Armed Forces for their unwavering support and presence during this period of grave loss.
