Victims of helicopter crash served with pride, fell with honour – CDS 

Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), has paid an emotional tribute to the eight individuals who died in the August 6 military helicopter crash, describing them as men who “served with pride and fell with honour.”

The victims included senior government officials and distinguished personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Delivering his remarks at the state funeral in Independence Square on Friday, Lt. Gen. Agyapong said: “As the bugle sounds and the night holds its silence, we salute them — Dr. Omane Boamah, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — brave men who served with pride and fell with honour.”

He emphasised that the exceptional skills, dedication, and professionalism of the deceased would continue to guide Ghana Armed Forces training, maintenance, and operational doctrines for years to come. “They will be sorely missed but fondly remembered,” he added.

The helicopter crash occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while the victims were travelling to Obuasi for the launch of the government’s Cooperative Mining Initiative. Two of the victims, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, were buried on August 10. The remaining six were laid to rest on August 15: Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Lt. Gen. Agyapong highlighted Dr. Omane Boamah’s transformative tenure as Defence Minister, noting his commitment to modernising the Ghana Armed Forces, championing merit-based recruitment, addressing accommodation gaps, revitalising the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited (DIHOC), and prioritising troop welfare and mental health. “He was not just a leader; he was a mentor and a role model who empowered those around him,” the CDS said.

The CDS also paid tribute to the fallen aircrew. Squadron Leader Anala, commissioned in 2014, combined advanced piloting skills with technical expertise and was a mentor to junior officers, enhancing operational readiness. Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, commissioned in 2021, demonstrated precision and adaptability across diverse missions, emerging as a dependable co-pilot and a future leader in air operations. Sergeant Mensah, enlisted in 2011 and certified in 2016, ensured the operational readiness of the Z-9 helicopter fleet and trained junior technicians to maintain high standards.

Concluding his address, Lt. Gen. Agyapong extended condolences to the bereaved families: “Their skills and dedication will continue to influence our training, maintenance, and operational doctrines for years to come. They will be sorely missed but fondly remembered. May their souls rest in perfect peace.”

The funeral was attended by high-ranking officials, military personnel, and grieving relatives, with full military honours to mark the nation’s respect for the fallen heroes.