Accra: The families of the three Airforce crew members who perished in the military helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, have been officially presented with posthumous promotion ranks and insignia. The presentation ceremony took place at the Ghana Airforce Headquarters, Burma Camp, Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the bereaved families also received an undisclosed amount of money from the Presidency, along with a sum of 315,000 cedis contributed by organizations and well-meaning Ghanaians. This financial support was distributed among the parents, family members, and the three widows: Madam Ursula Wematu Asaghedewe, the widow of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Naval Lieutenant Ewuraadwoa Kumi-Kyeremeh, widow of Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu; and Mercy Amoah, widow of Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
In recognition of their service, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala was posthumously promoted to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu was promoted to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah was made Flight Sergeant. Lieutenant General William Agyapong, the Chief of Defence Staff, assured the affected families of receiving their rightful benefits from the military and announced the government's plan to provide a comprehensive package for the families at a future date.
Lt. Gen. Agyapong highlighted the need for immediate actions and reforms within the Ghana Armed Forces to ensure collective welfare. He proposed the establishment of a childcare fund to support the children of service members in the event of such tragedies, emphasizing the importance of institutional preparedness for unforeseen circumstances.
Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, the Chief of Air Staff, stated that the promotions, ordered by the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President John Dramani Mahama, would ensure that the bereaved families receive full entitlements based on the new ranks of the late soldiers. He also commended the residents of Adansi Sikaman for their assistance in locating the crash site and aiding the retrieval of the remains of the eight individuals who lost their lives.
