Story: News Desk

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, on Tuesday, August 19, presented ranks and insignia to the families of personnel who perished in the Adansi helicopter crash.

The ceremony, held at the Air Force Headquarters in Accra, was to officially confer posthumous promotions awarded by President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.

The servicemen honoured were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, promoted to Wing Commander; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, promoted to Flight Lieutenant; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, promoted to Flight Sergeant.

In his address, Lt. Gen. Agyapong extended his condolences to the families and expressed appreciation to all who had supported the Ghana Armed Forces during the difficult period. 

He disclosed that government had prepared a comprehensive package for all eight victims of the crash, to be presented in due course alongside other entitlements due them.

The CDS further suggested the creation of a child care fund to support dependents of officers who lose their lives in the line of duty, stressing that such tragedies must serve as a wake-up call for better welfare support for military families.

Air Commodore Mathias Awuah, Chief Staff Officer at the Air Force Headquarters, commended the decision to honour the fallen heroes, noting that promotions represent the ultimate aspiration of military personnel.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frimpong, explained that while promotions are typically celebrated at the mess, the solemn circumstances made it appropriate to invite the bereaved families and present the insignia on behalf of the servicemen. 

He assured the families that all entitlements due to the new ranks would be honoured in full.

As part of the ceremony, the families were also presented with GH¢315,000, contributed by institutions, organisations, and individuals in support of the bereaved.

Speaking on behalf of the three families, Reverend MacDouglas Ampadu expressed profound gratitude to the CDS, the Ghana Armed Forces, and all sympathisers for their steadfast support during their period of grief.