On that fateful day, June 7th, 2025, at about 3 25pm at the 37 Military Hospital, our father, ex-WO1 (Elder) Victor Hanson Asante, gently took a bow and said goodbye to us. A day, and a memory to live with for the rest of my life.
It was a gentle departure, but within you, you knew the pain you went through. Myself, my senior brother Michael, and my younger brother Paul thought you were going to come back home to us again, but that was not the case. We came back home not with you but with your shorts and T-shirt. As I held them so tight in my hands, I wept uncontrollably. I then told myself; how can death be this cruel. We went with you but came home with your empty clothes.
As a soldier, the first Ghanaian Instructor of the Ghana Airforce School of Trade Training (S of T.T) now known as Ghana Airforce Aviation College from 1965 to 1970, you demonstrated remarkable courage, discipline, and resilience. Your commitment to your country and your fellow soldiers was unwavering, and your service will always be remembered. You taught us what it meant to be strong, disciplined, humble, kind, and resilient and the need to maintain our integrity regardless of the circumstances. We will at all times honour your memory.
Your courage and kindness were unmatched. We promise to honour your legacy every day. Daddy, thank you for teaching us to dream big and never give up. Your legacy will always inspire us.
You taught us life’s most precious things -Love, Faith, and Humility. Your words of wisdom like a song will always guide us, though you are gone.
Name, you said was everyone’s identity; therefore, you always reminded us of the name ASANTE and entreated us to at all times preserve the name ASANTE. No wonder on the day of my marriage, you whispered into my ears, “DO NOT FORGET THE ASANTE” hence, my surname-Asante Agyei.
You were a Church grower- from Burma Camp to Madina, then to Ashalley Botwe New Town. Due to your had work and dedication to God’s work, Ashalley Botwe Church of Pentecost, which started with about 15 people, is now a District Central Assembly with over 4000 members and still counting. God bless your soul, Daddy, your rich legacy lives on.
As selfless as you are, you advocated and worked with late Apostle Egyir Paintsil who was the General Secretary of the Church of Pentecost to ensure that Retired Ministers of The Church of Pentecost were paid their fair pension and on time. This you did because you witnessed the hustle your father, the late Pastor Wilson Asante of the Church of Pentecost encountered during his retirement. You were always there for others and that was the man you were, so selfless.
As we reflect on your life, we remember your dedication to the nation, your commitment to our family, community, and the Church. You served your community well and it came as no surprise when the Chief of Ashalley Botwe named the street behind your house after you- “Asante Street.” (From Peace Be to Aviation Junction)
Your impact on our lives has been profound, and we strive to honour your memory by living out the quality values you instilled in us.
VH my hero, VH my warrior, VH my gallant soldier in the Lord’s Army, you have fought a good fight, you have won the race, its now time to go for your crown.
Sleep well daddy. May your gentle soul find rest with your creator.
I love you so much, Agyapa!!!
