Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala was a distinguished officer in the Ghana Air Force, known for his professionalism, quiet discipline, and unwavering dedication to duty.
As one of the senior helicopter pilots stationed at Takoradi Air Force Base, he rose through the ranks to become a trusted figure in Ghana’s military aviation sector.
His life was tragically cut short in a helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, during an official mission in the Ashanti Region. This comprehensive biography explores his life, military career, family, and enduring legacy.
| Attribute | Details On GhanaRegions.com |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala |
| Hometown | Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana |
| Military Rank | Squadron Leader (Pilot) |
| Service Base | Takoradi Air Force Base |
| Aircraft Flown | Harbin Z‑9EH helicopter |
| Final Mission | Government assignment to Obuasi, Ashanti Region |
| Date of Birth | N/A |
| Date of Death | August 6, 2025 |
| Crash Site | Adansi Akrofuom District, Ashanti Region |
| Family | Survived by wife, children, and extended family |
| Legacy | Loyal military pilot, mentor, and national figure of integrity |
Early Life and Background
Though specific records about his date of birth remain private, Squadron Leader Anala hailed from Tamale, in the Northern Region of Ghana, where he was raised in a humble yet principled home.
Known in his early years for his strong character and ambition, he stood out among his peers. His family has deep roots in northern Ghana and maintained traditional values of service, sacrifice, and discipline.
According to GhanaRegions.com sources, his elder brother, Aidan Anala, confirmed that Peter was the pride of the family, especially for his achievements in the Ghana Armed Forces.
The family had reportedly endured another tragedy not long before Peter’s death, which intensified the emotional toll following the crash.
Education and Military Training
Peter Bafemi Anala pursued a path of discipline and service from an early stage. He received his secondary education in the Northern Region before enrolling in military preparatory programs.
He later gained admission into the Ghana Military Academy, where he trained rigorously to become a professional pilot.
Upon completion of his foundational training, Anala specialized in aviation and rotary-wing piloting, particularly on the Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter, a light utility aircraft used by the Ghana Air Force.
His education and training emphasized advanced aerial navigation, search and rescue coordination, and high-risk operational flying skills that earned him deep respect within the military.
Career in the Ghana Air Force
Peter Bafemi Anala served as a Squadron Leader, one of the top pilot ranks within the Ghana Air Force. Based at Takoradi Air Force Base, he operated under the No. 8 Helicopter Wing, which oversees surveillance, troop movement, and logistical missions across the country.
Key Roles:
- Lead pilot on high-security missions
- Trainer for younger pilots and helicopter crew
- Support operations during peacekeeping and national security exercises
- VIP and ministerial air transport duties
Colleagues described him as calm, composed under pressure, and always thorough in his flight protocols. His rank and position made him one of the elite pilots entrusted with transporting high-ranking government officials.
Death in Military Helicopter Crash – August 6, 2025
Squadron Leader Anala was piloting a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter carrying key government officials on a mission to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
The group, which included two former ministers Dr. Samuel Sarpong and Alhaji Limuna Muniru was scheduled to assess illegal mining and environmental issues in the area.
Shortly after takeoff from Accra, communication with the helicopter was lost around the Adansi Akrofuom District. Tragically, the aircraft was found crashed, with all eight personnel onboard confirmed dead.
Among the dead were:
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala (Pilot)
- Flying Officer Mane Twum Ampadu (Co-pilot)
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah (Crew)
- Dr. Samuel Sarpong (Former Regional Minister)
- Samuel Aboagye (Political appointee)
- Alhaji Limuna Mohammed Muniru (Former Minister)
- Two other government aides
Family and Personal Life
Squadron Leader Anala was a devoted family man. Though he kept much of his personal life private, he was widely known to have a wife and children, and was admired by his extended family in Tamale. His brother described him as “the rock” of the family and a shining example to the youth in their community.
The Ghana Armed Forces arranged for DNA samples from family members to aid in the proper identification of the remains due to the severity of the crash.
Legacy and National Mourning
The sudden death of Squadron Leader Anala triggered widespread mourning across Ghana, especially in Tamale and Takoradi, where he had served most of his career. His colleagues at the Takoradi Air Force Base praised him as one of the most reliable pilots in the force.
Tributes poured in from:
- Military leadership
- Northern Regional political figures
- Veterans and retired officers
- Traditional leaders and community elders
He is remembered not only as a capable officer but also as a national hero who served with honor until his final breath.
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala lived and died in service to Ghana. His sacrifice, courage, and legacy will not be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the honorable life he led.
