President John Dramani Mahama has announced posthumous promotions for three Ghana Air Force officers who died in the August 6 helicopter crash at the interdenominational state funeral on Friday, August 15, 2025.
In a solemn tribute, he said the Chief of Defence Staff would oversee the ceremonial presentation of the new insignias to their families.
Squadron Leader Peter Obafemi Anala was elevated to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah to Flight Sergeant.
“Promotions in our Armed Forces are never given lightly, and posthumous promotions are the highest mark of respect for duty performed until the very end,” the President said, adding that the benefits due to their families will reflect these new ranks.
He emphasised that the gesture was more than symbolic — it was a recognition of the officers’ rightful place in the nation’s service. The President also noted that civilian victims of the crash would be honoured at the next national mourning ceremony.
The Z-9 helicopter went down at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region while en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Community and Cooperative Mining Programme, claiming eight lives, including senior military officers and government officials.
