Bulsa Chiefs petition GAF to name new military barracks after fallen hero Squadron Leader Anala

The Bulsa Traditional Council has formally petitioned the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to name the newly established 12th Mechanised Military Barracks in Sandema after Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, the Ghana Air Force officer and native of Buluk who perished in the August 6 military helicopter crash.

In a proposal dated August 13 and addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff, the Paramount Chief of Bulsa, Nab Azagsuk Azantilow II, signed on behalf of the chiefs and people of Buluk, describing the gesture as a lasting tribute to a “distinguished son of Bulsa” whose career embodied “professionalism, bravery, and unwavering loyalty to the Republic.”

The late Squadron Leader Anala was among eight victims of the crash that claimed the lives of two serving ministers, senior military officers, and government officials on their way to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining initiative. The tragedy, which President John Dramani Mahama has described as a “national heartbreak,” has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes nationwide.

The Traditional Council argued that naming the Sandema barracks in Anala’s honour would serve multiple purposes. First, it would immortalise his service and sacrifice, cementing his legacy in the annals of Ghana’s military history. Second, it would provide a powerful source of inspiration for young officers and recruits, reminding them of the values of courage, patriotism, and duty. Third, it would deepen civil-military relations by strengthening bonds between the Armed Forces and the communities they serve. Finally, the Council pointed to international and local military traditions, where facilities are often named after fallen heroes, as precedent for the proposal.

In its submission, the Council recommended the facility be officially named the “Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala Military Barracks.”

“The life, service, and sacrifice of Squadron Leader Anala should serve as a permanent source of inspiration,” the chiefs wrote, stressing that the appeal should not be seen merely as a local request, but as a national recognition of heroism.

If approved, the decision would mark a historic moment for the Bulsa people and a powerful symbol of Ghana’s gratitude to one of its own who gave his life in service to the nation.

Anala was laid to rest with full military honours on August 15 at the Military Cemetery in Tse Addo, alongside five other victims of the crash. In a related gesture, President Mahama has conferred posthumous promotions on three Air Force officers who perished in the accident. Squadron Leader Anala was elevated to the rank of Wing Commander; Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu promoted to Flight Lieutenant; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah promoted to Flight Sergeant. The President described the move as recognition of their “service and sacrifice to the nation.”