President Mahama posthumously promoted three Ghana Air Force officers who lost their lives in the chopper crash on August 6.
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Three Ghana Air Force officers who lost their lives in the helicopter crash on August 6th have received posthumous promotions from President John Mahama.
During Friday’s state funeral, the President said the gift was a “small but meaningful recognition of their courage, professionalism, and selfless service.”
On Friday, Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu, and the late Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala were promoted at a state funeral held at Accra’s Black Star Square.
Sergeant Mensah was elevated to Flight Sergeant, Flying Officer Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and Squadron Leader Anala to Wing Commander.
According to President Mahama, these promotions are the “highest mark of respect for duty performed, even unto death,” and their families would be provided all the privileges that come with them. The posthumous insignia will be given to the grieving families by the Chief of Defence Staff.
The President declared the establishment of a Children’s Support Fund to ensure the futures of the victims’ children in addition to the military honors.
The fund will pay for healthcare, education, and basic living expenditures. Stanbic Bank has already donated GH₵500,000 to the fund.
Within 30 days, the government will operationalize the fund and set up avenues for corporate and public donations.
With a spirit of collective responsibility, Mahama implored, “Let us leave our eight comrades today with a promise that their children will not be alone.”
One of Ghana’s deadliest military aircraft disasters, the crash also killed Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Defense Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and three civilians who will be honored posthumously at the country’s upcoming honors ceremony.
The President prayed for national healing and thanked international dignitaries, religious leaders, and emergency personnel for their assistance. “May God continue to bless our homeland, Ghana, and make our nation great and strong,” he said.
Source: newsthemegh.com
