Tribute By The Children of The Late NDC Vice Chairman
The state funeral for the eight distinguished Ghanaians who tragically lost their lives in the August 6 Sikaman helicopter crash was filled with scenes of raw grief and deep emotion. Among the most poignant moments came from the children of the late NDC Vice Chairman, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, whose heartfelt tribute left mourners in tears.
The solemn ceremony, held on Friday, August 15, honoured the memory of the victims — individuals who had been on a government mission to Obuasi to launch the Cooperative Mining Initiative before their lives were cut short in the devastating crash in the Adansi Akrofrom District of the Ashanti Region.
Dr. Samuel Sarpong died alongside Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, Deputy NADMO Director-General Samuel Aboagye, and three Air Force officers — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Tribute from His Children
In their eulogy, Dr. Sarpong’s children spoke through tears, their words painting a picture of a loving father whose presence was a constant source of joy, guidance, and strength in their lives.
“Daddy, why are you running into eternity?” they began, their voices breaking with emotion. “You always told us that family was the greatest gift God could give a person. You worked so hard to make sure we never lacked anything. You were our protector, our teacher, our friend — and now, you are gone.”
They recalled his early morning routines, where he would wake them up with a smile, lead them in prayer, and share life lessons before the day began. His love for family extended beyond his household, as he often reached out to relatives and friends, offering help even when he was already stretched thin.
“You taught us discipline but also encouraged us to dream big. You believed in us, sometimes even more than we believed in ourselves. You celebrated our little victories as if they were national achievements,” they said.
A Life of Service
Dr. Sarpong’s children also took a moment to reflect on his commitment to public service and politics. They noted that even though his schedule as NDC Vice Chairman was demanding, he never allowed it to overshadow his role as a father.
“You would often say, ‘Leadership begins at home.’ You led by example — not only in politics but in how you treated people with respect, humility, and kindness. You left us a legacy of service and love for Ghana,” they added.
Unanswered Questions
Their tribute was filled with expressions of disbelief and grief, questioning why fate had taken their father so suddenly.
“Daddy, you always promised to be there to walk us down the aisle, to see us graduate, and to play with your grandchildren. We feel robbed of those moments. Why now? Why so soon?” they cried.
The children expressed that while they were devastated, they would hold on to his values and the lessons he taught them. They promised to live in a way that would make him proud.
Final Goodbye
“Daddy, run into eternity knowing that your children will carry your name with pride. Rest well, our hero, our mentor, our friend. Till we meet again,” they concluded.
As their words echoed through the auditorium, many in attendance were seen wiping away tears, a testament to the deep emotional impact of their tribute.
The August 6 helicopter crash remains one of Ghana’s most tragic accidents in recent years, not only for the number of high-ranking officials lost but for the deep personal void left in the lives of their families and the nation at large.
For Dr. Samuel Sarpong’s children, their father’s memory will live on — in the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the legacy he built.
Rest in peace, Daddy.
Source: My News Ghana
