The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has paid solemn tributes to three of its soldiers who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash at Adanse Sikaman Brofoyedru in the Ashanti Region.
At a state funeral held at the Black Star Square in Accra on Friday, the GAF honoured Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, praising their professionalism, dedication, and service to the nation.
The tribute to Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu described him as “an emerging operational talent whose precision, quick adaptability, and mission readiness distinguished him from the outset.”
Commissioned into the operations branch of the Ghana Air Force in 2021 after training in the United Kingdom, he was recognised for his technical proficiency in flight operations and crew duties.
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala was remembered as “a country-based aviation professional whose distinguished career was defined by exceptional piloting skills, aviation technical knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to flight safety.”
Commissioned in 2014, he held multiple qualifications, including private and commercial aircraft licences, an instrument rating, and postgraduate specialisations in air transportation, safety, and accident investigation.
The GAF noted that as a mentor and trainer, he shaped the confidence and discipline of Air Force personnel, reinforcing operational readiness.
He had also endured personal tragedy earlier this year, having lost two siblings.
The tribute to Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah hailed his selfless service as an aircraft mechanic.
“Sergeant Mensah possessed exceptional diagnostic and maintenance skills, ensuring adherence to the highest engineering and airworthiness standards,” it read.
Enlisted in 2021 and certified as an aircraft technician in 2016, he was also commended for mentoring young aerial technicians to develop resilience and expertise in the demanding field of aviation maintenance.
The crash claimed the lives of all eight persons on board the Z-9 helicopter, including two ministers of state, plunging the nation into intense grief.
