The Takoradi Air Force Base was shrouded in grief on Friday night as officers, family and friends gathered to honour three gallant airmen who perished in last Wednesday’s helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
The sombre notes of the military band set the tone for a night of mourning. Portraits of Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Mensah Addo stood as silent witnesses to the tears and tributes flowing in their memory.
A book of condolence was opened.
Candles were lit, two at a time, by representatives from various units, with their glow reflecting both pride and pain.
A particularly emotional moment came with the arrival of Lieutenant Ewuradwoa Kumi-Kyeremeh, widow of Flying Officer Ampadu. Herself a Ghana Navy officer and clinical psychologist for the Garrison, she joined mourners not in her professional capacity, but in personal grief.
Eulogies from the Number 8 Helicopter Wing, the Engineering Department and other colleagues painted a picture of dedication and sacrifice.
Director General of Religious Affairs, Brigadier General Benjamin Kumi-Woode, encouraged the gathering to draw strength from faith. Then, in unison, hundreds lit their candles, holding them high in a collective farewell.
Base Commander Air Commodore Eric Yirenkyi described the three as irreplaceable, their loss a deep wound to the Air Force family.
As the flames flickered in the night, the message was clear, these men may be gone, but their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Here are more photos from the event:
By Paa Kojo Peters
