President Mahama Confers Fallen Air Force Officers with After-Death Promotions
President John Dramani Mahama has posthumously promoted three Ghana Air Force personnel who died in the August 6 military helicopter crash, recognizing their “service and sacrifice to the nation.” As Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President Mahama made the announcement during an interfaith funeral service held at Independence Square on Friday, August 15, 2025, to honor the victims of the crash.
The solemn ceremony was attended by government officials, the military high command, bereaved families, and mourners from across the country. The servicemen honored were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The posthumous promotions include: Squadron Leader Anala to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Mensah to Flight Sergeant. President Mahama described their deaths as “a great loss to the nation,” emphasizing that they “died in the line of duty.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the families left behind and ensuring that “their legacy of dedication and professionalism is remembered.”
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Children’s Support Fund Established
In addition to the promotions, President John Dramani Mahama announced the establishment of a Children’s Support Fund to provide for the children of the eight victims of the August 6 helicopter crash. He revealed that Stanbic Bank has provided an initial seed capital of GHC500,000 to launch the initiative.
Paying tribute to the deceased at the funeral ceremony, President Mahama described the crash as a national tragedy that has “cast its shadow over the heart of Ghana.” He said the fund would cover the education of the victims’ children from primary school through to the university level or technical training. The fund will also assist with healthcare needs, including medical insurance and specialized care when required, along with welfare support for clothing, shelter, and special living expenses.
President Mahama pledged that the fund would be sustained through annual public reporting and would include channels for contributions from the public and international partners. Commending Stanbic Bank for its support, the President stated:
“The Fund for the children of the victims of the August 6, as has officially been named, will cover education from primary through to university or technical training, healthcare including medical insurance, specialised care where required, and welfare support, clothing, shelter, and special living expenses. I wish to thank Stanbic, which has opened an account with an initial contribution of GHC500,000. The government will make an immediate seed contribution to this Fund. And will operationalise and publish a detailed framework of the Children’s Support Fund within the next 30 days.”
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