Ghana Peace
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has held a candlelight vigil in memory of the three (3) military personnel who lost their lives in line of duty, via a military helicopter crash, in the Ashanti Region.
The vigil was held at the Air Force Base (AFB) Accra, on Tuesday 12 August 2025, with Ghana’s Deputy Defence Minister – Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, as the Guest of Honour.
Present at the event included the Chief of the Defence Staff, GAF – Lieutenant General William Agyapong; Chief of the Army Staff – Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu; Chief of the Naval Staff – Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing; Chief of the Air Staff – Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Eric Agyen-Frempong; and Chief of Staff, General Headquarters – AVM Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai.
In a solemn tribute, Mr EB Genfi said “These were not just Officers on duty; they were patriots who embodied the highest ideals of service, sacrifice, and honour. Their sacrifice is a painful reminder of the risks our servicemen and women face daily to protect our peace and sovereignty.
Let this moment of sorrow also be a call to reflection, for those of us entrusted with leadership, and for every citizen who benefits from the peace these heroes protected. We have all been tested by this devastating loss.”
In reference to all others who perished in the tragedy, Mr Genfi said “Their collective loss is a wound to our nation, but their legacy is a call to live with purpose, lead with integrity, and serve with our heart.”
In an engagement with the media on Wednesday 13 August 2025, the Deputy Minister revealed that the state has solicited foreign expertise, to help unravel the cause of the crash.
He also stated that GAF has already commenced investigations into the accident that has gotten Ghana into a national mournful state of extreme proportions.
The names of the Air Force aircraft crew who died are; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The passengers were Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence; Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science and Technology; Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong – Third Vice Chairman, National Democratic Congress (the ruling party); and Mr Samuel Aboagye – former Parliamentary Candidate.
Candlelight vigils have been held variously by all Units of 2 Garrison at the AFB, Takoradi on Saturday 9 August 2025; Units of 6 Garrison at AFB, Tamale on Sunday 10 August; while Ghana Army’s 66 Artillery Regiment joined the Volta Region in a vigil at Nfojo, Ho on Sunday 10 August.
Signing of Books of Condolences and wreathe laying positions have been opened at the Presidency of Ghana, the Square – Defence Ministry, and the Headquarters of GAF, Burma Camp, Accra, from 11 to 14 August 2025.
A Mass will also be observed at Christ the King Catholic Church, Accra, for the Defence Minister and Squadron Leader Anala, who attend the church.
A 3-day National Mourning with flags flying at half-mast have been declared by the State, and observed nationwide accordingly, from 7-9 August 2025.
Whiles 2 of the 8 departed, who are Muslims, have been interred at the Military Cemetery, Burma Camp, on Sunday 10 August 2025, a national Burial Service for the 6, who are Christians, will be held at the National Square – Black Star or Independence Square – Accra, prior to their interment.
On Wednesday 6 August 2025, a GAF release announced that its Z9 helicopter which took off from Accra at 0912 hours, enroute to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, had crashed in the general area of Sikaman, near Adansi Akrofuom, killing all on board.
Peace Journal
