At the interdenominational state funeral on Friday, August 15, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama bestowed posthumous promotions on three Ghana Armed Forces officers who lost their lives in the August 6 helicopter crash, declaring their service “a duty performed even unto death.”
The Chief of Defence Staff will formally present the new insignias to the bereaved families a ceremonial moment meant to ensure the sacrifices of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah are remembered not just in grief, but in glory.
Under the new ranks, Anala ascends to Wing Commander, Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and Mensah to Flight Sergeant.
“These promotions are not symbolic gestures,” President Mahama stressed. “They mark the rightful place these heroes have earned in the heart of the nation. Their families will receive the benefits befitting their new ranks, as a testament that Ghana remembers.”
With the solemn roll of drums and the silent salute of the gathered crowd, the Black Star Square transformed into a hall of promotion where fallen heroes rise, even in death, to the highest honour the nation can give.
