The family of Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala, one of the eight people who died in the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash, says life without him has been extremely difficult.
The family described the young pilot as a dependable figure who played a critical role in supporting and providing for the Anala family.
According to them, his sudden death has created a deep void, with relatives still struggling to come to terms with his absence one year after the tragedy.
“Peter was more than a pilot. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a caring son, a dependable brother, and a pillar of strength for our family,” a family member, Percy Anala, said.
He added that the past year had been filled with grief, unanswered questions and difficult adjustments, particularly for Squadron Leader Anala’s wife, young daughter, mother and the wider family.
“Last year has not been easy; we have faced grief, unanswered questions and tough adjustments, especially for his wife, young daughter, mother and the entire family,” he said.
The family shared their reflections during the government’s one-year inter-faith memorial service held in Accra on Thursday, August 6, in honour of the eight victims of the helicopter crash.
Squadron Leader Anala was among the three Ghana Air Force personnel and five passengers who died when the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed at Adansi Sikaman in the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025.
The crash claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong, former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The victims were travelling to the Ashanti Region on official duty linked to efforts to address illegal mining activities when the helicopter went down.
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The year has been long; it’s hard to reconcile their memories…
