By Christiana Afua Nyarko
Accra, Aug 21, GNA – The families of the three Airforce crew members who died on Wednesday, August 6, in a military helicopter crash have been officially presented with the posthumous promotion ranks and insignia.
The presentation, in photo frames, took place at the Ghana Airforce Headquarters, Burma Camp, Accra.
The bereaved families also received an undisclosed amount of money from the Presidency along with 315,000 cedis contributed by organisations and well-meaning Ghanaians.
The money was shared amongst the parents, family members and the three widows: Madam Ursula Wematu Asaghedewe, the Widow of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Naval Liuetenant Ewuraadwoa Kumi-Kyeremeh, Widow of Flying officer Manean Twum Ampadu, and Mercy Amoah, Widow of Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala was posthumously promoted to Wing Commander; Flying officer Manean Twum Ampadu was promoted to Flight Lieutenant, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, was made Flight Sargeant.
Lieutenant General William Agyapong, the Chief of Defence Staff, during a brief address, assured the affected facilities of getting the benefits they deserved from the military and announced the government’s plan to give ‘befitting package’ to the family at an appointed time.
“…at the national level, the government is planning a holistic package for all affected, all those who lost their lives, and at an appropriate time, you will be contacted to know what is in that package for you,’’ he said.
“Let me assure you that everything that is due in terms of benefits from the Military, every little thing will make sure that you get it as soon as possible.”
Lt. Gen. Agyapong, however, mentioned how the tragic incident should spark immediate actions and reforms within the Ghana Armed Forces for the collective welfare and good.
“This is the time for us to look at what I call the childcare fund. We don’t pray that something like this happens to us while we are serving. And if it does happen, what is the fate of our children?” he asked.
“ And institutions need to start thinking and use our numbers to set up this particular fund so that if we fall in harm’s way, we are sure that our children will be taken at least up to the university…”
He commended the inhabitants of Adansi Sikaman for their contribution, which helped the Military to locate the crash site and retrieve the remains of all eight individuals who perished.
Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, the Chief of Air Staff, said the promotion, ordered by the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President John Dramani Mahama, would ensure that the bereaved families fully received what was due them based on the new ranks bestowed on the late soldiers.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe