President John Dramani Mahama has honoured the memory of the three Ghana Armed Forces personnel who perished in the August 6 helicopter disaster, granting them posthumous promotions as a mark of the nation’s deepest respect.
Delivering a solemn tribute at Friday’s state funeral, President Mahama said the gesture reflected not only their sacrifice but also their rightful place in Ghana’s roll of honour.
He announced that Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala had been elevated to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah to Flight Sergeant. The families, he assured, will receive the benefits associated with the new ranks.
“Promotions in the Armed Forces are never given lightly, and posthumous promotions remain the highest mark of respect,” he said.
“Accordingly, I have approved the following: Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala is promoted to Wing Commander; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu is promoted to Flight Lieutenant; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah is promoted to Flight Sergeant. These are not just symbolic gestures, they represent the rightful places these officers have earned in our republic’s role of honour and the benefits due to their families will be reflected in these new ranks. The Chief of the Defence Staff will oversee the ceremonial presentation of the posthumous promotion insignias to their families,” he declared.
The President added that the Chief of Defence Staff will oversee the formal presentation of insignias, while the civilian victims of the crash will be remembered at the next National Honours Ceremony.
“Our other colleagues who were civilians will be posthumously recognised at the next national honours ceremony.”
The helicopter crash claimed eight lives, including Dr. Edward Omane Boamah-Defence Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; and the three military officers.
