‘The Pain Remains Deep’ — Wife of Flight Sergeant Ernest Mensah Pays Tribute One Year After Crash
The wife of late Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah has paid an emotional tribute to her husband and the seven other victims of the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash, saying the pain of losing them remains as intense as it was a year ago.
Speaking on behalf of her family at the National Interfaith Memorial Service held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Thursday, August 6, she reflected on the difficult journey the family has endured since the tragedy.
“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 the loss as one that took away not only a husband and father figure, but also a cherished family member whose presence brought strength, joy and comfort to those around him.
“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 her husband’s character, she said Ernest was known for his optimism, humour and ability to bring happiness to people even during difficult moments.
“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 acknowledged the support the family received from relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers, describing their encouragement as a source of strength throughout the grieving process.
The family also expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for honouring the memory of the victims and supporting the bereaved families, as well as the Ghana Armed Forces for its continued care over the past year.
Reflecting on the legacy of the eight victims, she urged Ghanaians to remember them not only because of the tragedy that claimed their lives, but also for their dedication, sacrifice and service to the nation.
“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 encouraged citizens to uphold the values demonstrated by the deceased by showing greater love, commitment and selfless service to others.
The memorial service brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities, members of the Ghana Armed Forces, bereaved families and other dignitaries to mark one year since the crash.
The eight victims died 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 official duty.
Those who lost their lives were Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi 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; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The interfaith service served as a solemn occasion to honour the lives, sacrifices and contributions of the eight individuals whose memories continue to live on one year after the national tragedy.
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