Flying Officer Mane‑Twum Ampadu, one of the eight people who perished in Wednesday’s military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, had only recently been decorated with his Aviator Wings — a badge of honour marking his qualification as a military pilot.
The tragic incident occurred on August 6, 2025, when the Ghana Air Force Z‑9 helicopter he was co‑piloting went off radar during a flight from Accra to Obuasi. The aircraft was transporting senior government officials to the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), a flagship initiative aimed at reforming Ghana’s small‑scale mining sector.
Checks by Myjoyonline.com confirm that Flying Officer Ampadu was among 12 new aviators who received their Aviator Wings—also known as Air Crew Badges—from former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo‑Addo on November 29, 2024, after successfully completing the Ghana Air Force’s rigorous pilot training programme.
On that day, the young pilot stood proudly among his colleagues:
- Flt. Lt. Christopher Yaw Asuka
- Flt. Lt Wisdom Seshie Deku
- Flt. Lt Akrashie Appoe
- Fg. Offr. Papa Kojo Ayensu Abrokwa
- Fg. Offr. Mane‑Twum Ampadu
- Fg. Offr. Isaac Tuobewere Tanle
- Flt. Lt Abdul‑Baasit Salifu
- Flt. Lt. Michael Adjei‑Banin
- Flt. Lt Obil Paa Kwesi Grant
- Fg. Offr. Selase Akotia
- Fg. Offr. David Afo‑Kangah
- Fg. Offr. Julius Etroo
The fatal crash also claimed the lives of:
- Dr Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
- Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation
- Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Dr Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman, National Democratic Congress
- Mr Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala – Pilot
- Sergeant Ernest Addo – Flight Technician
The Ghana Armed Forces has described the loss as a national tragedy, and Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has directed that all national flags fly at half‑mast in their honour.
For Flying Officer Ampadu, whose military career had only just begun to take flight, the crash brought a promising journey to a sudden, heartbreaking end. Those who knew him remember his discipline, passion for aviation, and commitment to serving his country in the skies.
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