The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, formally handed over ranks and insignia to the grieving families of the military personnel who perished in the Adansi helicopter accident. The presentation took place at the Air Force Headquarters in Accra, following the conferment of honors by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, John Dramani Mahama.
The honoured servicemen included Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manean Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
As part of the posthumous recognitions, Squadron Leader Anala was advanced to the rank of Wing Commander; Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu was elevated to Flight Lieutenant; and Sergeant Mensah was promoted to Flight Sergeant.
The event was organized to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers by officially bestowing the ranks awarded by the President after their passing. Their respective insignia were also handed over to their families.
In his address, Lieutenant General Agyapong extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and acknowledged the support of well-wishers who had assisted in various capacities during the mourning period. He highlighted that the government had prepared a comprehensive support package for all eight victims of the crash, which would be delivered at a suitable time, alongside all other entitled benefits.
Lt. General Agyapong further noted that the incident should serve as a sobering reminder to all service members. He proposed the creation of a childcare fund designed to provide for dependents—particularly children—in the unfortunate event of a fatality while on duty. He also expressed gratitude to the Government, Ministry of Defence, the Military Council, and other contributing bodies for their steadfast backing of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Air Commodore Mathias Awuah, Chief Staff Officer at the Air Force Headquarters, remarked that career advancement is a key aspiration for all military personnel, and the recognition given to the deceased officers was both appropriate and praiseworthy.
Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frimpong, Chief of Air Staff, noted that military promotions are customarily celebrated at the officers’ mess. However, due to the nature of the tragedy, the CDS found it fitting to invite the families and present the insignia on behalf of the fallen. He reassured the families that they would receive all benefits and entitlements associated with the new ranks.
Additionally, the families were presented with a sum of three hundred and fifteen thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC 315,000.00), raised through contributions from various organizations, institutions, and individuals. He affirmed that all remaining entitlements would be disbursed in due course.
Speaking on behalf of the three families, Reverend MacDouglas Ampadu conveyed deep appreciation to the CDS and the Ghana Armed Forces for their unwavering support and presence during this time of profound sorrow.
Leave a Reply