Ghana Honors Fallen Military Heroes with Posthumous Promotions
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has paid a solemn tribute to personnel who lost their lives in the recent Adansi helicopter crash, with posthumous promotions conferred on the fallen heroes. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, August 19, at the Air Force Headquarters in Accra, was led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, and attended by grieving families, senior officers, and sympathisers.
President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, approved the promotions to recognize the dedication and ultimate sacrifice of the deceased officers.
Those honoured included:
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, posthumously promoted to Wing Commander
- Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, posthumously promoted to Flight Lieutenant
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, posthumously promoted to Flight Sergeant
Lt. Gen. Agyapong, in his remarks, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and thanked Ghanaians for the overwhelming support shown to the military during this difficult time. He announced that government has prepared a comprehensive compensation package for all eight victims of the crash, assuring that their full entitlements will be delivered in due course.
He further proposed the establishment of a child care fund dedicated to supporting dependents of officers who die in active service, stressing that tragedies of this nature highlight the urgent need for stronger welfare systems for military families.
Air Commodore Mathias Awuah, Chief Staff Officer at the Air Force Headquarters, explained that posthumous promotions embody the highest recognition of service and sacrifice. Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frimpong, also emphasized that while promotions are typically celebrated in military mess halls, the unique circumstances demanded a family-centered approach. He assured the families that all benefits attached to the new ranks would be respected and honored.
As part of the ceremony, the bereaved families were presented with GH¢315,000, donated by various institutions, organizations, and individuals in support of their grief journey.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Reverend MacDouglas Ampadu expressed profound gratitude to the CDS, the Ghana Armed Forces, and all well-wishers for their compassion, solidarity, and unwavering support.
The ceremony served not only as a formal recognition of the officers’ service but also as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices military personnel make in the line of duty.
Read Also: Ghana Mourns Deeply: State Funeral Held for 8 Fallen Heroes of Helicopter Crash
