Naval Lieutenant Awura Adjoa Kumi-Kyere, the grieving wife of Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, delivered a moving tribute on Friday, August 15, during the state funeral for the eight victims of the tragic August 6 helicopter crash.
Held at the Black Star Square in Accra, the interdenominational ceremony paid tribute to the lives lost in the Sikaman-Broforyedru crash in the Adansi Akrofrom District of the Ashanti Region.
Flying Officer Ampadu, a committed and skilled member of the Ghana Armed Forces, was serving as part of the helicopter crew alongside Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. The crash also claimed the lives of several high-ranking government officials and security personnel on a mission to launch the Cooperative Mining Initiative in Obuasi.
In her tribute, Naval Lt. Kumi-Kyere reflected on her husband’s unwavering love and their bond, which began on his birthday in 2022.
“What is this grief, and what do I do with it? Manaen and I met on his birthday. People often said he loved me too much, but only we knew the depth of what we shared,” she said.
With her voice filled with emotion, she questioned how she could move forward without him.
“What do I do without you, and how do I carry on from here? We had so many plans and dreams, and now they’re all shattered.”
She described Flying Officer Ampadu as her best friend, confidant, and a quiet pillar of strength — a man who left a lasting impact on everyone he met.
“You were considerate, giving, fun, and loving. Thank you for blessing my life with your sweet presence and constant smile.”
Ending her tribute with a military-coded love message, she said:
“Mike–Yankee–Sierra–Whiskey–Echo–Echo
Tango–Bravo–Alpha–Bravo–Yankee–Bravo
Oscar–Yankee–India–Lima–Oscar–Victor
Echo–Yankee–Oscar–Uniform.”
(My Sweet Baby Boy, I Love You)
“My forever and a day. Sleep well, my love. May the earth rest lightly on you. God be with you till we meet again.”
