The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has held a memorial service to celebrate the life and legacy of its late Deputy Director-General in charge of Protocol, Samuel Aboagye, who died in a helicopter crash with seven other persons.
The solemn service, held last Friday, was attended by members of the bereaved family, staff and directors of NADMO, former Director-General of the organisation, deputy directors, members of the NADMO Governing Council, chief executive officers, friends and colleagues of the late Samuel Aboagye.
It was a gathering of remembrance, thanksgiving and reflection to celebrate Mr Aboagye’s life and the contribution he made to the organisation and the people around him.
Mourners, largely dressed in black and white, joined the choir in singing hymns as scripture readings and prayers were said as part of the service.
Prayers were also offered for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.
In a remembrance message, the Director-General of NADMO, Major (Rtd) Dr Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon, described Mr Aboagye as a son, husband, father and comrade whose death had left a deep void in the organisation and the nation.
He said the death of the eight people in the crash was not an ordinary loss as the incident affected the nation and left an enduring mark on the memories of Ghanaians, adding that their diverse talents and potential could have contributed significantly to the country’s development.
He said the memorial was, however, not intended to prolong the mourning but to celebrate the legacy and footprints Mr Aboagye had left at NADMO.
“What we have come to do today is not to continue to mourn Aboagye. It is for us to rejoice in the legacies and footprints that Aboagye left in the National Disaster Management Organisation,” he said.
Value of life
The Resident Pastor of the International Central Gospel Church (IGCG), Exalted Temple, Rev. Felix Hinson, who delivered an exhortation, urged the congregation to reflect on the value of life and the legacy they would leave behind.
He said memorial services provided an opportunity not only to mourn the dead but also to celebrate their lives, relationships and contributions to society.
“Life is precious. Life is brief, and the way we live our lives matters,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from Psalm 90, he said human beings must recognise that their days were numbered and should, therefore, strive to live meaningful lives.
He explained that a person’s legacy was not measured only by material possessions left behind but also by the lives touched, values imparted, sacrifices made, relationships built and service rendered to others.
Rev. Hinson encouraged the mourners to remember Aboagye for the memories they shared with him, the lessons he taught, his kindness and the impact he had on those around him.
He said although death took people from their physical presence, it could not erase the impact they had made during their lifetime.
