The family of the late Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu has held a memorial service to mark the first anniversary of his death in the August 6, 2025 Ghana Air Force helicopter crash.

The service, held at the Gospel Baptist Church at Tema Community 21 Annex on Sunday, August 9, brought together family members, friends, colleagues and members of the church to remember the life and service of the young military pilot.

Flt. Lt. Ampadu was the co-pilot of the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter that crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom area of the Ashanti Region on August 6, 2025, killing all eight people on board.

The aircraft had taken off from Accra for Obuasi, where the delegation was expected to attend the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), an initiative linked to efforts to address illegal mining.

The helicopter subsequently lost contact with air traffic control before it crashed.

The other victims were then Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, NDC Vice Chairman Dr Samuel Sarpong, former Obuasi East parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Father recalls son’s dream

At the memorial service, Reverend MacDouglass Ampadu, father of the deceased pilot, spoke about his son’s childhood dream of flying and the devastating effect his death has had on the family.

He said Manaen had shown an interest in geography from an early age and later took swimming lessons because he believed the skill was important for a pilot.

According to his father, the dream eventually became a reality as Manaen joined the Ghana Air Force and served the country as a military pilot.

“He carried that responsibility not as a burden, but as a source of pride—standing tall for your country, your family, and everyone who relied on you,” Rev. Ampadu said in a tribute to his son.

But a year after the crash, the father said the family continues to struggle with the reality of his absence.

He described the loss of a child as different from the loss of an employee, spouse or friend because, in his view, a child could never be replaced.

The pain, he said, has affected even ordinary family routines.

“I have not been able to sit at a dining table again because I have always looked at that empty seat,” he said.

Rev. Ampadu further noted that the grieving process was not an event that could be completed within a particular period but a journey the family would continue to navigate with faith and the support of loved ones.

Colleagues celebrate life and legacy

The memorial service was followed by a reception where family members, friends and colleagues paid tribute to the late pilot and celebrated his life.

Lieutenant Eugene Tetteh Herman, a colleague of Flying Officer Ampadu, delivered a tribute on behalf of himself, their intake and the Ghana Armed Forces.

He described Manaen as a gifted pilot, dedicated officer, dependable colleague and friend who combined professional excellence with humility.

According to Lt. Herman, the deceased was respected not only for his abilities in the military but also for his character and genuine concern for others.

“His seat among us may be empty, but his place in our hearts remains occupied until we meet again,” he said.

He recalled the period they spent together during training, saying their intake shared challenges, laughter and experiences that had created lasting memories.

He said although the passage of time had not erased the pain of the loss, it had helped colleagues appreciate the value of the life they shared with Manaen.

The colleagues stressed that the anniversary is not only an occasion for mourning but also an opportunity to celebrate a life they described as well lived.