Africa-Press – Ghana. Thousands of mourners, today, gathered at the Independence Square in Accra for the state funeral for the eight victims of the helicopter crash on August 6, including two ministers.
Click on the image below to open the programme brochure.
“The funeral will bring closure to a grieving nation…and the beginning as the almighty God heal our land.”
—President John Dramani Mahama
“My colleagues, I wish all of you peaceful rest. I thank each one of you for your examples of selflessness, commitment to duty and the firm belief in the ability of our country to be better for all of us.”
—Tribute by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
“Bafemi, kindly send me all the videos you have not sent since the 7 August. This is not the time. Bafemi please come back and tell me this is a terrible nightmare and that it is all over now. I will forever cherish the moments I spend with you. I certainly cannot wait for the glorious reunion. Bafemi My Love, journey well.”
—Wife of Peter Bafemi Anala
“We know you have to go based on the divine will of God because we remain mere mortals to His desires and demands. Rest in Peace Daddy, you will forever remain in our hearts. May Allah Almighty grant you Jannatul Firdaus till we meet again. Fare thee well Daddy”
—Tribute by children of late Dr Murtala Mohammed
Black Star Square, Accra 9:00AM
President Mahama arrives at the Black Star Square for the State Funeral for the eight (8) victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash.
“Sergeant Mensah Addo-Ernest was a highly skilled aircraft technician whose professional competence directly impacted the operational availability and safety of the Z-9 fleets in Takoradi. Enlisted in 2021 and certified as an aircraft technician in 2016, Sergeant Menster possessed exceptional diagnostic and maintenance skills, ensuring adherence to the highest engineering and airworthiness standards.
“Beyond his technical excellence, he was an effective mentor, particularly encouraging aerial technicians to develop their expertise and resilience in the demanding field of aviation maintenance.”
—Tribute from the Ghana Armed Forces to Sergeant Ernest Addo
“Your presence was a gift to all who knew you.”
“Your legacy will continue to live on through all the countless lives you touched.”
—Tribute by family of F/O Manaen Twum Ampadu
“You were truly a family man; a definition of a genuine person with a heart of gold.”
“Kofi B, thanks for loving me, the children, and my family.”
“When we started having children, you were nothing short of a wonderful father. You were a great source of hope to me and the children. Despite your busy schedule as a medical doctor, and later in your political career, you either bathed the children every morning or dressed them up while [they] bathed them.”
—Tribute by wife of Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah
“Squadron leader Peter Baafemi-Anala was a country-based aviation professional whose distinguished career was defined by exceptional piloting skills, aviation technical knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to flight safety. After commissioning in 2014, he earned multiple qualifications, including private and commercial aircraft licences, an instrument rating, and postgraduate specialisations in air transportation, safety, and accident investigation.
“As a mentor and trainer, he shaped the confidence and discipline of Ghana Air Forces, reinforcing the operational readiness of the Ghana Armed Forces”. –
— Excerpt from the tribute by the Ghana Armed Forces
“Flight Lieutenant Manean Twum Ampadu, was an emerging operational talent whose precision, quick adaptability, and mission readiness distinguished him from the outset. Commissioning into the operations branch of the Ghana Air Force in 2021, after military training in the United Kingdom, he consistently demonstrated high technical proficiency in flight operations and crew member duties.”
— Excerpt from the tribute by the Ghana Armed Forces
On board the Z-9 helicopter were Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; and Alhaji Dr Murtala Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology.
Others were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress; and Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
The rest are Squadron Leader Peter Anala of the Ghana Air Force, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu of the Ghana Air Force, and Sergeant Ernest Addo of the Ghana Air Force.
They were on their way to Obuasi for a national assignment on illegal mining, also known as galamsey, an existential threat to Ghana, when the aircraft crashed at Sikaman in the Adansi District in the Ashanti Region.
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