The Builsa Traditional Council is courting the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to honour the memory of the late Squadron Leader Peter Abaafemi Anala 12th Mechanised Military Barracks in Sandema in the Builsa North Municipality in the Upper East Region.
The Council has submitted a proposal to the GAF to rename the Barracks after their son, following his death in the helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, where all eight persons on board died.
A Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II, Paramount Chief of the Bulsa Traditional Area, signed the request addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff of the GAF, where the Council proposed “Squadron Leader Peter Abaafemi Anala Military Barracks,” as a fitting tribute to the exemplary service of the late officer whose ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty led to his demise.
According to the Council, Squadron Leader Anala was a dedicated son of Builsa whose career in the Ghana Air Force was marked by professionalism, bravery, and patriotism.
The Council said his untimely death while discharging his national duty epitomised selflessness and the risks servicemen and women endure to safeguard Ghana’s peace, security, and sovereignty.
They argued that naming the Sandema barracks after Squadron Leader Anala would serve multiple purposes, including immortalising his contributions, inspiring present and future military officers, and deepening the bond between the Armed Forces and the local community.
“It is a common and respected tradition worldwide to name military facilities after officers who have fallen in the line of duty. This gesture aligns with best practices in honouring military heroes,” the statement read.
The Council further outlined expected outcomes of the honour, including perpetual recognition of the fallen officer’s sacrifice, strengthened morale within the Armed Forces, and enhanced civil-military cooperation in the Upper East Region.
Members of the Council also emphasised that the honour would not only preserve the memory of Squadron Leader Anala but also demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to recognising the valour and sacrifices of its servicemen and women.
The Squadron Leader and seven others, including two Ministers of State, died in a helicopter crash at Adansi Brofoyedu in the Adansi Akrofuom district of the Ashanti region on their way to Obuasi to launch the government’s “Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme” (rCOMSDEP).
The initiative is aimed at combating illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) by promoting responsible mining practices and skill development.
Helicopter Crash: Sabotage is possible but must be proven – Festus Aboagye
