“Manaen, What’s This Grief? What Do I Do With It?” – Wife of Flying Officer Twum Ampadu Pays Heart-Rending Tribute

By Joylinda Laryea / 15 August, 2025

The widow of Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, Naval Lieutenant Awura Adjoa Kumi-Kyere, delivered a soul-stirring tribute during the interdenominational state funeral held on Friday, August 15, in honour of the eight individuals who perished in the tragic August 6 helicopter crash.

Fighting through tears, she opened her tribute with disbelief:
“Who would have thought that I would be standing here today, reading a tribute to you? Who could ever have imagined that death would separate us so quickly?”

Lieutenant Kumi-Kyere recalled meeting Manaen on his birthday in 2022 and reflected on the profound love and connection they shared. “People always commented that you loved me too much, but only you and I know the depth of what we had and shared. What do I do without you, and how do I carry on alone from here?”

To her, Manaen was more than a husband—he was her best friend, confidant, and constant source of strength. “You were my best friend, my ‘gisting’ partner, my everything. We had so many plans, dreams, and ideas that are now shattered,” she said. “Manaen, please respond and answer me, because this silence is too loud.”

Describing him as “considerate, attentive, giving, fun and loving,” she thanked him for his unwavering support and joyful presence. “My darling, thank you for blessing my life with your sweet presence and your ever-constant smile.”

In an emotional code shared between them, she spelled out a message using the NATO phonetic alphabet:
“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”)

Closing her tribute, she said: “My forever and a day. Sleep well, my love. May the earth rest lightly on you. God be with you till we meet again.”

Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu was among the eight victims of the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region. The team was en route to Obuasi for the launch of the Responsible Community and Cooperative Mining Programme.

Other victims included:

• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

• Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation

• Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate

• Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman

• Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

The funeral service, marked by grief and honour, paid tribute to the dedication, service, and ultimate sacrifice of these distinguished individuals