Accra: President John Dramani Mahama, the Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), has posthumously promoted three military officers who lost their lives in the helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. The announcement was made during the State Funeral held for the eight victims at the Black Star Square in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama emphasized the significance of the promotions, stating, "Promotions in our Armed Forces are never given lightly, and posthumous promotions are the highest mark of respect for duty performed, even unto death." The officers promoted include the late Squadron Leader Peter Mafemi Anala to Wing Commander, the late Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and the late Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah to Flight Sergeant.
The President noted that these promotions were not merely symbolic gestures but represented the rightful place these officers have earned in the Republic's role of honour. The benefits due to their families would be reflected in these new ranks, and the Chief of the Defence Staff would oversee the ceremonial presentation of the posthumous promotion insignias to the families.
President Mahama also acknowledged the civilians who perished in the crash, stating they would be recognized at the next National Honours Ceremony. He concluded the state funeral by reflecting on the collective mourning of the nation and emphasizing the importance of honoring the legacies of the fallen officers.
In his remarks, President Mahama highlighted the difficulty in making sense of the tragic event, regardless of any technical reasons or official investigations. He urged the nation to move towards peace within communities and families, using the tragedy as a reminder of life's fragility.
The President also announced the creation of a Children's Support Fund for the children of the victims, ensuring they receive the opportunities, care, and security that their parents worked hard to provide. He appealed to Ghanaians to contribute to the fund.
The crash claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians on an official duty, including Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology. Other victims included Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Mr Samuel Sarpong, Mr Samuel Aboagye, and the three promoted officers from the Ghana Air Force.
Alhaji Dr Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna were laid to rest at the new Military Cemetery at Tse Addo, near Burma Camp in Accra, with the remaining victims buried at the same cemetery following the state funeral.
