The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has received a proposal from the Builsa Traditional Council asking them to name the 12th Mechanised Military Barracks in Sandema after Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala in his honour.
Squadron Leader Anala is a native of the area and lost his life on August 6 in a military helicopter crash.
The Builsa Traditional Council proposal, dated August 13 and addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff.
The proposal was signed by Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II, the Paramount Chief of the Builsa Traditional Area.
According to the Council, the request is not just a local call but a national acknowledgement of valour.
The Council stated in the proposal, “The late Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala was a distinguished son of Bulsa and a dedicated officer of the Ghana Air Force whose career was marked by professionalism, bravery, and unwavering loyalty to the Republic”.
The Council recommended the name as “Squadron Leader Peter Abaafemi Anala Military Barracks”.
The Builsa Traditional Council justified their calls, outlined several key reasons, like the recognition of Service and Sacrifice, an inspiration to present and future generations, local and national pride and an alignment with military tradition.
The proposal concluded saying, “The life, service, and sacrifice of Squadron Leader Anala should serve as a permanent source of inspiration”.
If approved by GAF would mark a significant moment for the Builsa community and a powerful tribute.
On August 15, Squadron Leader Anala was laid to rest in a full military honours, alongside five other crash victims, at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo.
In addition, Festus Aboagye, a retired Colonel and security analyst, has said the pilot of the August 6 helicopter crash, Squadron Leader Anala, was a top-certified VIP Pilot.
According to Festus Aboagye, Squadron Leader Anala has 13 years of experience flying as a pilot.
Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV on August 13, Col Aboagye stated, “If we zero in on the Captain — Squadron Leader Anala, he’s got 13 years of experience flying as a pilot. Before he passed, he was the most senior, most competent helicopter pilot.
His grading was Category C certified for flying VIP flights, and he has been flying VIPs in helicopters. This is to disabuse the minds of Ghanaians that some people say, ‘oh, he was not competent,’” he said.
He added, “Last point is that he has been trained in Aircraft investigation at Cranfield University, UK. Since his training, whatever that year was, he has been going back to Cranfield. The white man, Oyibo, Muzungo has been inviting him every year to come and deliver aircraft investigation training. He was very competent”.
Meanwhile, President John Mahama, during the State funeral yesterday, August 15, posthumously promoted three Ghana Armed Forces personnel who perished in the August 6 helicopter crash.
John Mahama described the fallen servicemen as true patriots who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
Speaking at the state funeral held in their honour on Friday, John Mahama stated, “Accordingly, I have approved the following. Squadron Leader Peter Bufami Anala is promoted to the rank of Wing Commander. Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu is promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. Sergeant Ernest Addo is promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant.
These are not just symbolic gestures. They represent the rightful place these officers have earned in our republic’s role of honour”, President Mehama revealed.
John Mahama also revealed that benefits due to their families will be reflected in these new ranks.
See the statement below:
