Fallen Heroes Laid to Rest with Full Honours as Nation Bids Final Farewell

By Joylinda Laryea / 15 August, 2025

In a deeply emotional and solemn ceremony, Ghana on Friday laid to rest six of the eight victims of the tragic August 6 military helicopter crash, marking a national day of mourning and reflection.

The burial took place at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, Greater Accra Region, where thousands gathered to honour the memory of the fallen. The event drew government officials, top military commanders, bereaved families, and citizens from across the country.

Earlier in the day, an interfaith funeral service was held at Black Star Square, filled with poignant tributes, tears, and the sounds of military bands. The service celebrated the lives and sacrifices of the eight individuals who died in the line of duty.

President John Dramani Mahama, delivering a tribute at the event, announced the establishment of an Educational Children’s Support Fund to support the children of the deceased—covering their education from primary through to tertiary level.

The President also conferred posthumous promotions on the three fallen Ghana Air Force officers:

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala was promoted to Wing Commander.

• Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu was promoted to Flight Lieutenant.

• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah was promoted to Flight Sergeant.

“These promotions are not just symbolic; they reflect the honour these officers earned with their service and sacrifice,” President Mahama said.

Following the state service, the final burial rites were performed with full military honours. President Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Ghana Armed Forces, bereaved families, and other dignitaries laid wreaths in memory of the fallen.

The six individuals buried on August 15 were:

• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

• Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate

• Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman

• Wing Commander Peter Bafemi Anala

• Flight Lieutenant Manin Twum-Ampadu

• Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

Two other victims , Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator were laid to rest earlier on August 10 in accordance with Islamic rites.

The crash, which occurred at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region, remains under investigation. Meanwhile, the nation continues to mourn the loss of individuals described as dedicated public servants and patriots who died in service to Ghana.