Accra’s Black Star Square became the stage of a solemn national farewell on Friday, August 15, 2025, as President John Dramani Mahama led Ghanaians in
Accra’s Black Star Square became the stage of a solemn national farewell on Friday, August 15, 2025, as President John Dramani Mahama led Ghanaians in honouring the memory of the eight victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash.
Among the tributes was a symbolic gesture that will forever preserve the legacy of three Ghana Air Force officers who lost their lives in the line of duty — posthumous promotions.
A Tragedy That Shook the Nation
The helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofrom District of the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians, including two sitting ministers, a national security capo, a party executive, and three gallant servicemen.
They were en route to Obuasi for the launch of the government’s Responsible Cooperative Mining Initiative when tragedy struck, plunging the nation into mourning.
The victims were:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC
Samuel Aboagye, a parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East
Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala
Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
Honouring the Servicemen
At the interfaith funeral service, President Mahama, in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, announced that Squadron Leader Anala, Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Mensah would receive posthumous promotions in recognition of their sacrifice.
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala was elevated to the rank of Wing Commander.
Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu was promoted to Flight Lieutenant.
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah was advanced to Flight Sergeant.
The President described their deaths as “a great loss to the nation,” stressing that they died in the line of duty, serving both the Ghana Armed Forces and the Republic with loyalty and professionalism.
Preserving Their Legacy
In addition to the promotions, President Mahama reassured the grieving families that government would not abandon them.
He pledged long-term support, including the establishment of the Children’s Support Fund, which will provide educational and welfare assistance to the children of all eight victims from primary school to tertiary education.
The fund has already received an initial GHC500,000 contribution from Stanbic Bank, with further government input expected.
The President also reiterated his call for unity in grief, urging Ghanaians to remember the victims not only for the manner of their passing but also for their lifelong service to the country.
A Nation United in Mourning
The funeral service drew dignitaries from across the political spectrum — former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and former First Ladies Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and Rebecca Akufo-Addo and former Second Lady Samira Bawumia — all standing side by side with government officials, military commanders, and ordinary citizens.
Conspicuously missing were former First Lady Naadu Mills as well as former Second Lady Matilda Amissah-Arthur. No reasons were provided.
The coffins, draped in the national flag, were laid in state, guarded by military pallbearers as the Ghana Armed Forces band played solemn dirges.
At the Tse Addo Military Cemetery, where the victims were interred, a 21-gun salute and wreath-laying ceremony marked their final farewell.
A Lasting Symbol of Sacrifice
The posthumous promotions are more than ceremonial; they are a national statement of gratitude. By immortalising the Air Force officers in the annals of the military history, President Mahama ensured that their service would be remembered not as lives cut short, but as sacrifices that strengthened the very foundation of Ghana’s defence and unity.
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