Ghana Air Force Headquarters, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, on August 19, 2025 presented GH¢315,000 to the families of the three crew members killed in the tragic Z-9 military helicopter crash of August 6 . The funds, raised from well-wishers, corporate bodies, and individuals, represent a nationwide gesture of support for the bereaved.
The crash claimed eight lives, including the late Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, senior security officials, and three Air Force personnel namely, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah who were all based at the Takoradi Air Force Base .
In addition to the financial support, the CDS also conferred posthumous military promotions to honour the fallen crew members as Squadron Leader Anala was elevated to Wing Commander, Flying Officer Twum-Ampadu to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Addo Mensah to Flight Sergeant. The Ghana Armed Forces assured that all entitlements associated with the new ranks will be fully honoured.
President John Dramani Mahama, meanwhile, has launched a “Children’s Support Fund”, aiming to protect the education, health, and welfare of the bereaved children. The fund has already accumulated GH¢2.315 million, following an initial GH¢500,000 contribution from Stanbic Bank Ghana and donations from several corporate entities.
The nation continues to mourn. A state funeral was held on August 15 at Independence Square for six of the victims, while the two Muslim victims had been buried earlier. President Mahama also declared three days of national mourning following the crash.
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