A Year of Grief: Widow of Flying Officer Twum Ampadu Speaks on Loss, Faith and Healing

A year after the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, the widow of Flying Officer Twum Ampadu has spoken candidly about the ongoing grief, resilience and faith that has sustained her family through one of Ghana's darkest moments. Speaking at a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service for the "Departed 8" on Wednesday, Naval Lieutenant Ewuradwoa Kumi-Kyeremeh addressed the nation on behalf of the seven other widows, describing the past twelve months as "very long, heavy and hard."

The emotional testimony painted an intimate portrait of loss—one that extends beyond the initial tragedy into the daily reminders of absence. Lieutenant Kumi-Kyeremeh recounted how ordinary moments have become sources of pain, including instances where she instinctively reached for her phone to share photographs with her late husband, only to be struck by the realisation that he would never respond. Such moments, she explained, have made it difficult to fully accept the reality of what happened, even after a full year of grieving.

The Weight of Unexpected Reminders

One particularly revealing moment came when Lieutenant Kumi-Kyeremeh attended an inter-service quiz event where someone in the audience shouted "Mayday, Mayday"—triggering a panic response as she questioned whether those were the final words her husband and his fellow crew members heard in their last moments. Such incidents underscore how trauma from major tragedies can resurface unexpectedly, transforming even casual social gatherings into emotionally fraught experiences for those directly affected.

Despite the overwhelming pain, the widow emphasised how her Christian faith has been instrumental in her ability to move forward. She expressed gratitude to the Presidency, the Ghana Armed Forces High Command, her family, friends and religious leaders who rallied around her during the grieving process. Beyond her own recovery, she revealed that she has actively supported other widows, offering them encouragement and hope that life, whilst forever changed, remains worth living.

Why It Matters for Ghana

This anniversary moment is significant for Ghana on several levels. First, it honours those who served the nation and died in service—a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families. Second, the widow's testimony brings national attention to the often-overlooked emotional toll military tragedies place on families, sparking conversations about mental health support and grief counselling for affected households. Third, her public acknowledgement of faith, community support and the long journey of healing offers a narrative of resilience that can resonate with Ghanaians facing their own losses.

The military helicopter crash remains one of the most significant tragedies in recent Ghanaian history, and the annual memorial service ensures that the lives of those who perished are not forgotten. Lieutenant Kumi-Kyeremeh's words also serve as a call for national compassion and a reminder that supporting those who grieve is a collective responsibility.

A Message of Hope

Concluding her address, Lieutenant Kumi-Kyeremeh quoted Japanese author Haruki Murakami, sharing wisdom that has shaped her approach to grief: "Such wounds to the heart will probably never heal, but we cannot simply sit and stare at our wound forever. Let us make the most of what we have while we have it to honour the memory of our beloved ones."

Her message to others experiencing similar losses was unambiguous: the pain may not ease quickly, but it will not remain as heavy forever. She expressed hope that such a tragedy would never repeat itself in Ghana, whilst acknowledging that the journey of healing, though arduous, is one that can be traversed with faith, family and community support.