Some family members and loved ones who attended the ceremony
The wife of Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu, Naval Lt. Ewuradwoa Kumi-Kyeremeh, could not hold back her tears during a candlelight vigil held in Takoradi last Friday in memory of the recent fallen airmen.
Flying Officer Ampadu was among the three aircrew members who died in the military helicopter crash which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
The other two crew members were Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The three aircrew members were all stationed at the Takoradi Air Force Base.
They were on official duty transporting some government officials to Obuasi for a flagship mining sector programme when the accident occurred.
The government officials, who also lost their lives, included Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Defence Minister; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Environment Minister; Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed; National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s National Vice Chairman, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, and former parliamentary candidate of the NDC for Obuasi East, Samuel Aboagye.
The solemn candlelight vigil, held at the Takoradi Air Force Base, was to honour and remember the gallant aircrew members.
The ceremony brought together service personnel, grieving families, friends, loved ones of the fallen airmen as well as the general public.
The Takoradi Air Force Base Commander, Air Commodore Eric Yirenkyi, said the Base was shaken by the tragic incident.
“In the line of duty, these brave men took to the skies with courage in their hearts and service in their souls.
“They embodied the highest traditions of the Ghana Air Force: professionalism and safety of our nation,” he noted.
He added, “We appreciate them for their sacrifice. Their dedication serves as a beacon and a reminder of selflessness that defines our noble profession.”
He noted that the incident is a painful reminder of the risks airmen accept every day in their service to the country.
“To the family, please know that you are not standing alone. You are now part of our military family. We mourn with you and stand beside you.
“May the courage of the deceased aircrew members inspire generations to come,” the Base Commander declared solemnly.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi