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Aircraft accidents

Ghana Armed Forces Mourns Loss of Three Personnel in Military Helicopter Crash

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) is in a state of shock following the tragic loss of three personnel in a military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people, including five government officials. The incident occurred on August 6 when the Harbin Z-9EH helicopter, which was enroute to Obuasi for an official assignment, crashed in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve, Ashanti Region. The three fallen Ghana Air Force officers, who were among the eight on board, have been identified as Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Key Takeaways:

  • Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala (GH/4281) was born on November 2, 1989, in Siniesi, Upper East Region, and enlisted into the Ghana Military Academy on June 20, 2013. He served as a pilot with the No. 8 Helicopter Wing and was married with one child.
  • Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu (GH/5426) was born on January 17, 1995, in Kwahu Adumoah, Eastern Region, and enlisted into the Ghana Military Academy on December 16, 2020. He served as a co-pilot with the No. 8 Helicopter Wing and was married.
  • Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah (202154) was born on July 5, 1988, in Labadi, Accra, and joined the Air Force Recruit Training School on July 22, 2011. He served as a technician with the No. 8 Helicopter Wing and had recently married.
  • The Ghana Armed Forces has described the loss as a devastating blow and remains in a state of shock, with investigations into the cause of the crash ongoing.
  • Aviation safety experts and independent assessors are supporting the review of the incident.

Statistics:

  • Three Ghana Air Force personnel perished in the August 6 military helicopter crash.
  • Eight people lost their lives in the incident, including five government officials.
  • The crash occurred in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve, Ashanti Region.
  • The Ghana Armed Forces has been left in a state of shock following the tragic loss.

Sources:

  • Ghana News Agency (August 8, 2025)
  • Ghana Armed Forces public statement

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