The widow of late NADMO Deputy Director-General Samuel Aboagye has called on Ghanaians to preserve the legacy of the eight officials who died in last year’s military helicopter crash by intensifying efforts to protect the country’s environment.
Speaking at a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service held on Thursday, August 6, to commemorate the first anniversary of the crash, Mrs Abigail Aboagye said the most meaningful tribute to the departed officials would be concrete action against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
She said her husband died while on a mission to support the fight against illegal mining, a battle she believes remains unfinished.
“Samuel died on his way to a fight that is yet not finished. The rivers he was going to defend are still being poisoned. The land is still bleeding,” she said.
“The truest tribute we can pay these eight is not a speech. It is to finish their work. Please, do not let this be the last year we remember them,” Mrs Aboagye added.
The memorial service marked one year since the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight public officials who were travelling on official assignment.
Reflecting on her late husband’s contribution to national service, Mrs Aboagye described him as a dedicated public servant whose work at NADMO focused on helping people during their most difficult moments.
“As the Deputy Director for NADMO, his work was to reach people on the worst days of their lives. He did it well,” she said.
She also spoke about the personal loss her family has experienced since his passing, describing grief as a difficult journey that continues with time.
“I will not stand here and pretend the year has been easy. Grief does not get smaller. You simply grow around it,” she said.
Mrs Aboagye recounted the everyday reminders of her husband’s absence, particularly the impact of his death on their two daughters.
“There’s a chair in our house that nobody sits on. Birthdays came anyway. Christmas came anyway. And our girls still ask me questions I do not have good answers for,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, the government, the Ghana Armed Forces, NADMO, residents of Obuasi and Adansi, and Ghanaians who supported the bereaved families throughout the past year.
“Thank you. You held us up when we could not stand,” she said.
Mrs Aboagye also extended solidarity to the families of the other seven officials who died in the crash, describing their shared experience as a lifelong bond.
“To the seven other families here, we did not choose one another, but we belong to one another now,” she stated.
In an emotional tribute to her late husband, she said her faith had helped her endure the pain and assured him that she would continue caring for their children.
“Our girls are well. They have your love, and I am keeping my promise. I am taking care. Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord. Until we meet again, you will always be my forever,” Mrs Aboagye said.
