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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, officially presented ranks and insignia to the families of military personnel who lost their lives in the tragic Adansi helicopter crash.
The solemn ceremony, held at the Air Force Headquarters in Accra, marked the formal conferment of posthumous promotions by the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President John Dramani Mahama.
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The servicemen honoured were:
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, posthumously promoted to Wing Commander,
- Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, posthumously promoted to Flight Lieutenant, and
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, posthumously promoted to Flight Sergeant.
Their promotions were described as symbolic of the highest recognition of sacrifice, honour, and duty to the nation.
In his address, Lt Gen Agyapong extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, commending them for their resilience and thanking the general public for the outpouring of support during the Ghana Armed Forces’ time of grief.
He revealed that the government had prepared a comprehensive welfare package for the families of all eight officers and men who perished in the crash, to be presented alongside other statutory entitlements.
The CDS further proposed the creation of a Child Care Fund to support the dependents of officers who lose their lives in active service, stressing that “tragedies such as this must awaken us to strengthen welfare support systems for military families.”
Air Commodore Mathias Awuah, Chief Staff Officer at the Air Force Headquarters, praised the decision to honour the fallen heroes, noting that promotions represent the ultimate aspiration of military personnel.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frimpong, added that while promotions are normally celebrated at the officers’ mess, the circumstances made it fitting to present the insignia directly to the bereaved families.
He assured that all entitlements due to the new ranks would be honoured in full.
As part of the ceremony, the families were presented with GH¢315,000, a contribution from institutions, organisations, and individuals who rallied in solidarity with the bereaved.
Speaking on behalf of the three families, Reverend MacDouglas Ampadu expressed profound gratitude to the CDS, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the wider Ghanaian society for their unwavering support during the painful period.
“Your presence, support, and recognition of our loved ones’ sacrifices have lightened our burden of grief. We are deeply thankful,” he said.
The Adansi helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of eight servicemen, remains one of the darkest days in Ghana’s military history.
The posthumous honours, according to military leadership, were a testament to the nation’s enduring appreciation of their service and sacrifice.
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