The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has paid a tribute to Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, one of the eight victims of the military helicopter crash on August 6.

The GAF honoured the late officer as an "irreplaceable loss" to both the service and the nation, praising his exemplary career and unwavering commitment.

The tribute was delivered by Air Commodore Mathias Awuah on Saturday, August 9, at the Night of Memories and Reflections, an event held in Accra to honour all victims of the tragedy.

The message, on behalf of the Chief Director of the Ministry of Defence, Suweibah Adam, highlighted Squadron Leader Anala’s dedication and skill.

"His sudden departure is an irreplaceable loss to the service and the Ghana Armed Forces as a whole. Commissioned into the Operations Branch on 17th October 2014, Squadron Leader Anala exercised exceptional skill, discipline, and dedication."

The tribute further noted that his professional achievements were the result of extensive training both in Ghana and internationally.

"Your duty is done, but your legacy endures forever," the statement concluded.

The fatal crash claimed the lives of eight people, a tragedy that has plunged Ghana into a period of national mourning.

The high-profile victims included two cabinet ministers, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah (Minister for Defence) and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation).

Also among the deceased were Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, the Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The remaining victims were the helicopter's crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

According to initial reports, the group was travelling aboard a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter bound for Obuasi to attend an event aimed at combating illegal mining, known as galamsey. The aircraft went off radar, triggering a search-and-rescue operation that ended in tragedy.