Correspondence from the Bono Region

The St James Old Boys Association (JOBA) on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, held a solemn requiem mass to celebrate the life and legacy of an alumnus of the school, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, one of the victims of the recent tragic military helicopter crash.

The requiem mass, which took place at the school’s chapel, brought together prominent persons like former Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah Yeboah, priests, teachers, old students, soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Battalion (3Bn), current students, and members of the general public who gathered to pay their final respects to the fallen hero.

With each tribute becoming both a celebration of Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala's legacy and a solemn reminder of the profound void the passing has left behind, all speakers paid glowing tribute to the fallen soldier, recounting fond memories and remarkable acts of service that defined his life.

In his homily, the main celebrant, Fr Sixtus Evans Appiah Kyeremeh, a classmate of Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, lauded him for his unwavering discipline, describing it as a hallmark of his student days, which became evident in his distinguished military career.

“Discipline was the bedrock of Squadron Leader Anala’s life and career, a virtue that powered his success as a student and beyond the walls of this school, which ensured that he achieved his goals and left a lasting impact.”

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Fr Sixtus Evans Appiah Kyeremeh, therefore, urged the students present to take inspiration from his life, cultivate self-control, and commit themselves wholeheartedly to their studies and future responsibilities, reminding them that discipline remains a critical ingredient for achieving one’s goals and making a meaningful impact in society.

Snr Moses Hinneh of the 1995-year group, in a heartfelt tribute on behalf of JOBA, mourned the tragic passing of Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, describing it as a profound and painful loss that has created a void not only within the St. James family but also in the wider community. The association highlighted how he personified the school’s motto through his integrity, unwavering loyalty, and relentless dedication to every cause he embraced.

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“Fellow Ahoteefoo ladies and gentlemen, we have gathered here today with a heavy heart to honour the life and legacy of our brother Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala of the 2007-year group. His sudden passing in the recent military helicopter crash has left an emptiness in the St. James family and beyond. Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala was just an alumnus; he was a living embodiment of the school’s cherished motto: sincerity, fidelity, and perseverance”.










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