At a solemn interdenominational service on Friday, the widow of Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah delivered a poignant tribute to her late husband, one of eight victims of a military helicopter crash that shook Ghana’s political and defense establishment last week.
The ceremony, held on August 15 in Accra drew high-ranking government officials, military personnel, and mourners from across the country. Emotions ran high as the newlywed widow, whose marriage to Sergeant Addo Mensah had lasted just one month, recalled their final exchange hours before the fatal flight.
“Mankyɛ, it has been days, and you have not called at 5 a.m. for us to pray,” she said, using a Twi endearment " Fighting back tears, she recounted an early morning call on the day of the crash. “I told you I woke up feeling very sad, and I didn’t know why. You said we should pray, as you always did. Then you told me you had a flight to Obuasi—and that you’d be back. I’m still waiting.”
In a statement blending grief with faith, she added: “Shame on you, death, you have not won. Christ has, because Ernest died knowing Him as his Lord and Saviour. You will forever be my hero, forever in my thoughts, never to die.”
Sergeant Addo Mensah was among the eight individuals aboard the Ghana Armed Forces helicopter that crashed en route to Obuasi on August 6. Also killed in the crash were Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC); and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
The crew members—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala and Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu—also perished in the incident.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with authorities calling for a thorough review of military aviation protocols. Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for the victims, whose lives spanned public service, politics, and national defense.
The widow's words, echoing both personal loss and collective mourning, underscored a national tragedy that has left Ghana in mourning.
