“Bafemi, You Left Me Broken – I Cannot Come to Terms with This” – Wife of Late Squadron Leader Pays Heartfelt Tribute

By Joylinda Laryea / 15 August, 2025

Ursula Wematu Asaghedewe, widow of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, has delivered a deeply emotional tribute to her late husband during the interdenominational state funeral held on Friday, August 15, in honour of the eight victims of the tragic Sikaman helicopter crash.

Fighting back tears, Ursula recalled her husband’s unwavering commitment to both his family and his career in the Ghana Air Force. “My husband was a hardworking man; I have never seen a person more dedicated to his work,” she said.

She shared the promises he made to her promises he honoured with love and action. “Peter told me that he would never allow me to lift a finger because he would lift both hands for us. And true to his word, I have not had to struggle for anything,” she said.

But the sudden loss has left her devastated. “Bafemi, you left me broken. I cannot come to terms with this,” she added, her voice filled with grief.

Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala was one of the eight people aboard the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter that crashed on August 6, 2025, in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, while en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Community and Cooperative Mining Programme.

The crash also claimed the lives of:

• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

• Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation

• Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate

• Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman

• Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

• Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu

• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

The solemn funeral, held with full military honours, brought together national leaders, grieving families, and citizens united in mourning. Ursula’s tribute stood out as a painful reminder of the personal sacrifices made by those who serve.