The funeral of the late Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu, one of the servicemen who tragically died in last week’s military helicopter crash, was marked by grief, solemnity, and moving tributes that highlighted his legacy of service and love.
While his colleagues in the Ghana Armed Forces honoured him with precision and military respect, it was his widow, Naval Lieutenant Awura Adjoa Kumi-Kyere, who captured the hearts of mourners with a deeply emotional tribute that combined love, symbolism, and coded military language.
A Wife’s Heartfelt Words
In her tribute, Lt. Kumi-Kyere described her late husband as a man of compassion, kindness, and unwavering love.
“You were considerate, attentive, giving, fun and loving, a quiet source of strength to me and indeed everyone who encountered you. My darling, thank you for blessing my life with your sweet presence and your ever-constant smile,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
She also praised him for creating a peaceful and loving home, even while balancing the demands of military life.
The Secret Military Code of Love
What stunned many at the ceremony was when she turned to military-coded language, a system designed for secure communication among armed forces, to express her eternal love.
She recited:
“Mike-Yankee-Sierra-Whiskey-Echo-Echo-Tango-Bravo-Alpha-Bravo-Yankee-Bravo-Oscar-Yankee-India Lima-Oscar-Victor-Echo-Yankee-Oscar-Uniform.”
While it sounded like a drill command to most civilians present, it was a powerful coded message that translated into:
👉 “My Sweet Baby Boy, I Love You.”
The crowd was moved to silence as her words revealed the depth of her affection, blending her dual roles as a grieving wife and a proud naval officer.
She concluded with even more heartfelt words:
“My forever and a day. Sleep well, my lover. May the earth rest lightly on you. God be with you till we meet again.”
A National Loss
Flying Officer Ampadu, remembered for his dedication to duty and his warm personality, served the Ghana Armed Forces with distinction. His life was cut short in the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people, including senior government officials.
His passing, alongside his comrades, has left a deep void in both the military and the nation at large.
Watch her tribute below:
