Flying Officer Manaen Twum-Ampadu was a dedicated member of the Ghana Armed Forces. He tragically lost his life in a military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, along with seven other individuals, including two Cabinet Ministers.
His service in the Ghana Air Force was marked by commitment and promise. As a Flying Officer, he was part of the team operating the helicopter on an official mission to combat illegal mining (galamsey) near Obuasi.
Ghana pays its final respects to Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and the other victims of the crash at a state funeral held on August 15, 2025. The nation cherishes the memory of these dedicated citizens.
EARLY LIFE
Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, affectionately known as Papa Twum or Paa Tee, was born on January 7,1995, in Accra to Rev. MacDouglas Emmanuel Ampadu of Aduamoa and Mrs. Patience Adjeley Ampadu Ablorh of Teshie. Born into royal lineage from the Etena clan of Abene Kwahu, he was named after his paternal grandfather, Isaac Kwadjo Mensah Twum.
He was raised in Aburi, where his mother worked at the Presbyterian Women’s College of Education (PWCE),Manaen was the elder of two siblings.
He began his education at Chrisland International School (Aburi) and later attended Deks Preparatory International (Tema), De-Bright International, and Feberck International (Nungua)before returning to Deks International to complete his Junior High School education. Manaem continued his education at Presbyterian Secondary Technical (PST), Aburi, where he developed a keen interest in Geography. He proceeded to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), earning a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Rural Development (Second Class Upper Division, 2017).
During his studies, he interned at Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and later completed his national service there.
He was driven by his childhood dream of becoming a pilot, Manaem enlisted in the Ghana Military Academy in 2020.A devoted son, brother, and friend, Manaen valued family above all. His marriage on 27 April 2024 to Naval Lieutenant Awura Adjao Kumi-Kyere marked a new and joyful chapter in his life.
He embraced his role as a husband with the same commitment and tenderness that characterised all his relationships. Faith was the cornerstone of Manaen’s life. Baptised in 2002 under his father’s ministry, he was a devout Fundamental Baptist and an active member of Set Time Baptist Church, where he served as his father’s armour bearer on evangelism missions. His leadership extended to serving as President of the Fundamental Baptist Students Fellowship (KNUST).
His compassion for the less fortunate was evident in his support for Zion Helping Hand, a charity aiding children in rural communities, and his contributions to Jesus’ Kitchen, feeding the homeless.
Beyond his faith and family commitments, Manaen was known for his humility, diligence, and adventurous spirit. He loved football, reading, computer games, and sightseeing, often bringing joy and laughter to those around him.
Friends and colleagues remember his willingness to help, his encouraging words, and his unwavering moral compass. Although he fulfilled a childhood dream by joining the Ghana Air Force and training as a pilot, flying was only one aspect of his rich and purposeful life.
Whether in the cockpit, at home, in church, or among friends, Manaen’s life was defined by service, love, and integrity. His passing is a profound loss to his family, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the nation, but his influence lives on in the countless lives he touched.
