The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, on Tuesday, August 19, conferred ranks and insignia on the families of Ghana Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives in the Adansi helicopter crash.
The solemn ceremony, held at the Air Force Headquarters in Accra, formally recognized the posthumous promotions granted by President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Those honoured were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, promoted to Wing Commander; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, promoted to Flight Lieutenant; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, promoted to Flight Sergeant.
Addressing the gathering, Lt. Gen. Agyapong extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and thanked Ghanaians for the outpouring of support shown to the military in this period of mourning.
He also revealed that government has prepared a comprehensive compensation package for all eight victims of the crash, which will be delivered in due course along with their full entitlements.
The CDS proposed the establishment of a child care fund to provide long-term assistance to dependents of officers who die in service, stressing that tragedies such as this highlight the need for stronger welfare systems for military families.
Air Commodore Mathias Awuah, Chief Staff Officer at the Air Force Headquarters, praised the decision to honour the fallen heroes, explaining that promotions represent the highest aspiration of service members.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frimpong, added that although promotions are traditionally celebrated at the mess, the special circumstances warranted a family-centered ceremony. He assured the families that all benefits attached to the new ranks would be fully respected.
As part of the event, the bereaved families were also presented with GH¢315,000, donated by institutions, organisations, and individuals to support them in their grief.
Speaking on behalf of the three families, Reverend MacDouglas Ampadu expressed deep gratitude to the CDS, the Ghana Armed Forces, and all sympathisers for their unwavering support during this painful time.
Source: Adomonline.com
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