Flying Officer Mane‑Twum Ampadu embodied the professionalism and dedication of Ghana’s Air Force aviators. His service, training, and commitment to carrying out sensitive official missions speak to his character and sacrifice.
As part of the Takoradi No. 8 Helicopter Wing, his loss alongside fellow crew members struck a deep chord in both the Western Region and the nation’s defense community.
His memory is honored by colleagues, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the families left behind, especially his wife, serving in Ghana’s naval medical services.
| Category | Details by GhanaRegions.com |
|---|---|
| Name | Flying Officer Mane‑Twum Ampadu |
| Education | BA in Geography, KNUST (2017) |
| Training | Aviator wings awarded November 2024 |
| Service Branch | Ghana Air Force, Z‑9 Helicopter Wing, Takoradi Base |
| Role | Co‑Pilot (Flying Officer) |
| Final Mission | En route to rCOMSDEP launch in Obuasi |
| Date of Death | August 6, 2025 |
| Crash Location | Adansi Akrofuom District, Ashanti Region. |
Early Life & Education
Alumnus of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Class of 2017
Flying Officer Mane‑Twum Ampadu graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from KNUST in Kumasi in 2017, where he was known for his analytical thinking and academic excellence.
Military Training & Career
Commissioning and Flying Wings
After completing his degree, Ampadu enlisted in the Ghana Armed Forces and underwent military aviation training. He was among 12 new aviators presented with Aviator Wings (Air Crew Badges) by former President Nana Akufo-Addo on November 29, 2024, marking his qualification as a military pilot.
Role and Base
He served as a Flying Officer (Co‑Pilot) with the Ghana Air Force, assigned to the Z‑9 helicopter fleet. He operated out of the Takoradi Air Force Base, which is home to the No. 8 Helicopter Wing responsible for transport and operational support missions.
Personal Life
Publicly available information does not include details about his family such as a spouse or children reflecting the often private profiles of military personnel.
Tragic Final Mission
Date & Mission
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Flying Officer Mane‑Twum Ampadu was serving as co-pilot aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z‑9 helicopter. The aircraft was carrying government officials to Obuasi to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), an initiative targeting environmental restoration and livelihood enhancement in mining communities.
Crash & Confirmation of Death
Shortly after departure from Accra, the helicopter lost radar contact and crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of Ghana’s Ashanti Region. All eight individuals onboard, including Flying Officer Ampadu, perished in the crash. His death has been officially confirmed.
Alumnus Grief
The news drew widespread mourning, notably from KNUST, which expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a promising alumnus and patriot.
Flying Officer Mane‑Twum Ampadu’s trajectory marked by academic distinction and committed military service represented bright promise. His untimely passing is a profound loss for both the Ghana Armed Forces and the wider community he served with integrity and dedication.
