The wife of Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah has delivered an emotional tribute to her late husband and the seven other victims of the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash, saying the grief of losing them remains as painful today as it was the day the tragedy occurred.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved families during the National Interfaith Memorial Service at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), on Thursday, August 6, she reflected on the profound impact the crash has had on their lives over the past year.
“Today, we stand 12 months removed from a tragedy that still feels painfully near. A day that completely altered our lives as a family,” she said.
She described Ernest Addo Mensah as more than a husband, son and brother, saying he was a dependable source of love, encouragement and strength whose absence continues to be deeply felt.
“We stand here today with hearts that still remember, still mourn and still honour the life of our beloved husband, son and brother, Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah,” she stated.
Recalling his character, she said he was known for his optimism, cheerful nature and ability to lift the spirits of those around him with his humour.
“I, for one, have never known a person more optimistic than Ernest. You could hardly remain sad around him. He would crack jokes and laugh at them more than you would. And before long, you would find yourself smiling and forgetting the burden that had troubled you,” she recounted.
She said the family has been able to cope with the loss because of the unwavering support they have received from relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers since the tragic incident.
On behalf of the family, she expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for remembering the victims and standing by their families, as well as the Ghana Armed Forces for its continuous care and support throughout the past year.
She urged Ghanaians to remember the eight victims for their dedication, integrity and service to the nation rather than focusing only on the tragic circumstances of their deaths.
“As we honour the memory of the eight fallen heroes, we choose to remember not the tragedy that took them from us, but the lives they lived, the love they had for their families, their dedication to duty and the values they carried with honour,” she said.
She also encouraged the public to uphold the values the deceased stood for, expressing hope that their legacy would inspire others to serve the nation faithfully, cherish their loved ones and live with compassion.
The National Interfaith Memorial Service brought together government officials, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, religious leaders, traditional authorities, bereaved families and other dignitaries to commemorate the first anniversary of the helicopter crash.
During the service, religious leaders offered prayers for the families of the deceased and called on Ghanaians to honour the memory of the fallen officials by embracing selfless service, sacrifice and patriotism.
The eight victims lost their lives on August 6, 2025, when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra on an official assignment.
Those who died were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed; NDC National Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong; Deputy NADMO Director Samuel Aboagye; and the helicopter crew—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The memorial service formed part of activities marking the first anniversary of the tragedy and celebrated the lives, dedication and sacrifices of the eight individuals who died in the line of duty.
