Accra: Widows of the eight distinguished Ghanaians who died in a helicopter crash on August 6, while en route to a national assignment, have paid heartfelt tributes to their husbands. At a State Funeral on Friday, August 15, Mrs. Rita Omane Boamah, Widow of Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, the Defence Minister, remembered her husband as 'a true family man' and 'a genuine person with a pure heart of gold.' She recalled how he often asked, 'Abena Rita, what will you do when I am not around?' - a question she never answered and still could not.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Mohammed, Widow of Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, and MP for Tamale Central, said her husband embodied kindness, patience, love, deep faith, humility, and integrity. She described him as 'trustworthy and dependable; someone people could call at any hour.' She prayed Allah granted him Jannatul Firdaus, adding: 'We love you, we miss you, and we will carry your light with us always. Inshah Allah.'
Hajia Zahara Ligbi, Widow of Hon. Mohammed-Muniru Limuna, former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, called her husband a principled yet humble man who 'inspired loyalty through character.' She said his absence left an irreplaceable void, remembering him as her partner, confidant, counsellor, and truest friend over 28 years of marriage.
The Widow of Samuel Sarpong, former Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, described her husband as a man of strength, wisdom, and compassion. Recalling how he made their home a place of peace and unity, she prayed: 'May the doors of heaven be open for you until we meet again.'
Mrs. Aboagye, Widow of Samuel Aboagye, former Deputy Director-General of NADMO, said his passing left 'an emptiness nothing in this world could ever fill.' She commended him for his love, partnership, and care for their daughters, praying his soul found eternal peace.
Mrs. Anala, Widow of Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala of the Ghana Armed Forces, expressed deep grief: 'Aaahhh, Bafemi, you left me broken! This was not the plan, Peter.' She remembered him as the go-to person for everyone, always sacrificing for others, and wished him a peaceful journey.
Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu's widow described him as her best friend, confidant, 'quiet source of strength.' She thanked her 'correct better half' for blessing her life with love and joy.
Mrs. Mensah, widow of the Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah of the Ghana Armed Forces, said her husband's love for God was unmatched. He was her greatest supporter, and she fondly recalled his passion for the Z9 helicopter, which he treated like his 'first child.' She bid him farewell, declaring, 'Ah Death, shame on you! You have not won; Christ has, because Ernest died knowing Him as his Lord and Savior.'
These tributes, woven with faith, love, and respect, left an enduring reminder of lives lived with purpose, sending tears flowing down the cheeks of many of the mourners. For most at the Square, the words spoken will remain as vivid as the images of the eight flag-draped caskets: a call to honour their memory by emulating their service to Ghana.
