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 various 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 promotions insignias to their families.
Squadron leader Peter Obafemi Anala has been promoted to the rank of Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu is now promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant while Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah received promotion to the rank of Flight Sergeant.
“Promotions in our Armed Forces are never given likely and posthumous promotions are the highest mark of respect for duty performed even until death.
Accordingly, I have approved the following; Squadron leader Peter Obafemi Anala is promoted to the rank of Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu is promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah is promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant,” the President stated.
The President said the posthumous promotions are not just symbolic gestures, but represents the rightful place these officers have earned in the country’s role to honour them.
President Mahama said the benefit due to their families will be reflected in these new ranks.
The President noted that the other victims who were civilians will be posthumously recognized at the next national mourners ceremony.
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; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; 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 Manin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Onuaonline
