Builsa Chiefs propose naming of Sandema Barracks after fallen Air Force Officer

The Builsa Traditional Council has proposed to the Ghana Armed Forces to name the newly established 12th Mechanised Military Barracks in Sandema after the late Squadron Leader Peter Abaafemi Anala.

The Squadron Leader, who they call a son land died in the recent military helicopter crash.

The proposal, dated August 13, 2025, and addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff at Burma Camp, was signed by Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II, Paramount Chief of the Builsa Traditional Area, on behalf of the chiefs and people of Buluk in the Upper East Region.

In the document, the Council described Squadron Leader Anala as “a distinguished son of Bulsa and a dedicated officer of the Ghana Air Force whose career was marked by professionalism, bravery, and loyalty to the Republic.”

The Council has therefore recommended that the new barracks be formally designated as the “Squadron Leader Peter Abaafemi Anala Military Barracks.”

“The life, service, and sacrifice of Squadron Leader Anala should serve as a permanent source of inspiration to all,” the petition emphasized, urging the Armed Forces to grant the request as both a local tribute and a national recognition of heroism.

If approved, the move would mark the first time a major military facility in the Upper East Region is named after an officer of Builsa descent, a gesture the chiefs believe will deepen ties between the Armed Forces and the local community.

The late Anala was among the eight victims of the tragic August 6 helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region, which also claimed the lives of senior government and military officials en route to an anti-galamsey operation in Obuasi. The tragedy has since been described as a national disaster, drawing tributes from President John Dramani Mahama and across the country.

Squadron Leader Anala was laid to rest with full military honours on August 15 at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Accra, alongside five other crash victims.

Meanwhile, President Mahama has conferred posthumous promotions on three fallen Air Force personnel, including Squadron Leader Anala, who was elevated to the rank of Wing Commander. Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu was promoted to Flight Lieutenant, while Sergeant Mensah was promoted to Flight Sergeant.