Ursula Wematu Asaghedewe, the widow of the late Squadron Leader Peter Baafami Anala, delivered a moving tribute at the state burial held in Accra today, honouring the eight fallen ministers, officials, and soldiers who perished in a tragic national incident.
In her heartfelt address, Ursula shared a deeply personal story about the days leading up to her husband’s final return to duty in Ghana. Just two months ago, the couple welcomed their first child, Winly Winsah Anala — a joyous moment that Ursula said had given them renewed hope and dreams for the future.
“Peter held my hand in the delivery room as we welcomed our daughter,” she recounted. “We had so many plans — dreams for our family, and for the life we wanted her to live. We were to christen her in October.”
She revealed that although Peter had intended to stay longer to help them settle into their new life as parents, his sense of duty and love for his country called him back. “I expected you to stay at least a month,” she said. “But for the love of your country, you had to leave. You spent just one week with us.”
According to Ursula, Peter delayed his return by an extra week because their newborn had taken ill. “Now I know why she was holding you back. But for your dedication to your work, you made the difficult sacrifice to leave a sick newborn and a mother still healing,” she said tearfully.
Describing her late husband as “an answered prayer,” Ursula praised his hardworking nature and devotion to his family. “He promised I would never lift a finger — and true to his word, he made sure I lacked nothing,” she said.
Members of Peter’s family also spoke during the ceremony, revealing that the late Squadron Leader had been deeply troubled by a disturbing dream shortly before his final mission. The dream had unsettled him so much that he sought spiritual counsel from a Catholic priest.
The state funeral, attended by high-ranking government officials, military personnel, and grieving families, served as a solemn tribute to the dedication and ultimate sacrifice of the eight national heroes.
Squadron Leader Peter Baafami Anala is remembered not only as a gallant officer but as a loving husband, doting father, and man of unwavering faith and duty
