Mahama confers posthumous promotions as helicopter crash victims laid to rest

Ghana bid farewell on Friday, August 15, to six of the eight victims of the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash, in a solemn ceremony marked by grief, tributes, and full military honours.

The burial at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Greater Accra Region, brought together President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, senior government officials, the military high command, bereaved families, and mourners from across the country.

An interfaith funeral service was held earlier at Black Star Square, where tears flowed as friends, relatives, and colleagues paid tribute to the fallen. The Ghana Air Force and Ghana Armed Forces bands performed as the flag-draped coffins were carried in a display of military precision and respect.

Those laid to rest were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Two other victims; the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, had been buried on August 10.

In his tribute, President Mahama announced the creation of an Educational Children’s Support Fund to cover the schooling of the victims’ children from primary through to tertiary level. 

He also conferred posthumous promotions on the three Ghana Air Force officers who died in the crash, describing the gesture as “the highest mark of respect for duty performed, even unto death.”

Under the promotions, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala was elevated to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah to Flight Sergeant. 

The President stressed that these were not merely symbolic gestures but formal recognitions that would ensure the officers’ families received the full benefits of their new ranks.

The Chief of Defence Staff will oversee the ceremonial presentation of the promotion insignias to the bereaved families. President Mahama said the nation must draw strength from the sacrifice of the fallen, adding, “You will always be in our hearts. You will always be remembered, and we will always revere your memory.”