Hannah Sarpong, the wife of the late National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Sarpong, has delivered an emotional tribute to her husband, expressing her struggle to accept his passing.
Speaking at an interdenominational state funeral on Friday, August 15, Mrs. Sarpong recalled her husband’s final words to her before embarking on what he described as “a return journey.” She said, “I am still looking forward to welcoming you back home, my dear husband.”
Her remarks formed part of a tribute titled “To My Dearest Friend,” in which she described Mr. Sarpong as a man of strength, wisdom, and compassion who gave his all to his family, his people, and his country.
Samuel Sarpong was among eight people who lost their lives in the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region. The accident also claimed the lives of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
The crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Below is the full text of the tribute by Samuel Sarpong’s wife, titled “To My Dearest Friend.”
“My beloved husband, my dearest friend, my steadfast pillar, it’s with the heaviest of hearts that I share this tribute. I am still struggling to accept that you are truly gone. You were not just my husband. You were my partner in every sense of the word. You stood by me in love, in faith, and under very extreme difficult circumstances. You challenged me to walk through the journey of life.
You were a man of strength, wisdom, and compassion for me and the family. I watched with admiration as you gave your all to your family, your people, and your country. But more than your public service, it was your love and devotion at home that made you truly extraordinary.
You made our home a place of peace, a kingdom of life, and a home of happiness that breeds and reinforces the bond of family unity. You cared for us with such gracious love and led us with such a determined heart. You prayed with us, dreamed with us, and stood by us no matter the season.
I will forever cherish the quiet moments we shared, the dreams we built together, and the love we nurtured over the years. Your absence is a deep wound in my heart, but your love is still my comfort.
I remember the call you put through to me in the early hours of that faithful and dark Wednesday, indicating that you were leaving for Obuasi on a national assignment.
You said it was a return journey. I am still looking forward to welcoming you back home, my dear husband.
Your departure was so sudden that I still cannot believe it. The news of your departure continues to cut through my very nerves, leaving a vacuum of unimaginable pain in my heart.
Oh, Sarpong Kumankuma, do hear my call and come back. Tell me this news is not true.
The day is gloomy, the sun is gone, the weather is thick, darkness is falling, and the space is empty. Hear our voice, hear the voice of your beloved wife and children, my dear husband.
We can still hear the sound of your footsteps around the house, offering protection for the family. Your presence represented hope, your words breed love, and your work produces joy and happiness.
You ran a good race, my husband. May the doors of heaven be open for you until we meet again. Rest well, my dear husband.
Sarpong Kumankuma, nanti yie.
Damirefa due.”