The Builsa Traditional Council has petitioned the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to rename the 12th Mechanised Military Barracks in Sandema after the late Squadron Leader Peter Abaafemi Anala, who died in a helicopter crash while on national duty.
In a request to the Chief of Defence Staff, signed by the Paramount Chief of the Builsa Traditional Area, Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II, the Council proposed the name “Squadron Leader Peter Abaafemi Anala Military Barracks” as a lasting tribute to the officer’s service and sacrifice.
The Council described Squadron Leader Anala as a proud son of Builsa whose career in the Air Force reflected professionalism, bravery, and patriotism. His untimely death, they noted, symbolised the risks servicemen and women face in defending Ghana’s peace and sovereignty.
They argued that naming the Sandema barracks after him would immortalise his contribution, inspire future officers, and strengthen the bond between the military and the local community.
“It is a respected tradition worldwide to name military facilities after officers who fall in the line of duty.
“This gesture aligns with best practices in honouring military heroes,” the statement said.
The Council added that the honour would preserve his memory, boost morale within the Armed Forces, and enhance civil-military relations in the Upper East Region.
Squadron Leader Anala was among eight people, including two Ministers of State, who died in a helicopter crash at Adansi Brofoyedu in the Ashanti Region while en route to Obuasi for the launch of the government’s Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), an initiative aimed at curbing illegal small-scale mining.
