Accra: The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is mourning the loss of three personnel who perished alongside five government officials in the August 6 military helicopter crash at Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region. The Harbin Z-9EH helicopter was en route to Obuasi for an official assignment when it crashed in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve, killing all eight on board.

According to Ghana News Agency, the fallen heroes from the Ghana Air Force have been identified and their profiles have been verified. Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, born on November 2, 1989, in Siniesi, Upper East Region, was a pilot with the No. 8 Helicopter Wing. He joined the Ghana Military Academy on June 20, 2013, and was commissioned into the Aircrew Branch later that year. Anala was married with one child.

Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, born on January 17, 1995, in Kwahu Adumoah, Eastern Region, served as a co-pilot with the No. 8 Helicopter Wing. He enlisted in the Ghana Military Academy on December 16, 2020, and was commissioned into the Aircrew Branch in 2021. He was also married.

Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, born on July 5, 1988, in Labadi, Accra, served as a technician with the No. 8 Helicopter Wing. He joined the Air Force Recruit Training School on July 22, 2011, and graduated into the Engineering Branch in 2012. Mensah had recently married.

The Ghana Armed Forces has described the loss as a devastating blow and remains in a state of shock. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with aviation safety experts and independent assessors supporting the review.