Grieving Ghanaian man in US appeals for support to repatriate wife’s body home for burial

A Ghanaian immigrant living in Northern Kentucky in the United States, Clement Essilfie, is appealing for public support to help transport the body of his late wife, Edith Essilfie, back to Ghana for burial after a tragic accident claimed her life earlier this month.

According to U.S. local media reports, Edith was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing Turfway Road near Drexel Avenue in Florence, Kentucky.

She was reportedly on her way to catch a bus to her workplace at Walmart, where she was employed at the time of the accident

Her husband, Clement, recounted the heartbreaking moment he realized something had gone terribly wrong.

The couple, both originally from Ghana, had maintained a close relationship and regularly checked in with each other during the day. When Edith failed to call after arriving at work, Clement grew worried.

“It was getting to 9 o’clock… after 9 I called, no response. 9:30, I called several times,” he said emotionally.

Not long after, police officers arrived at his workplace with devastating news.

“One of the officers told me, ‘Your wife couldn’t make it.’ I fell on the floor — I was weeping like a baby,” Clement recalled tearfully.

He described his late wife as loving, humble, and hardworking, someone who always wore a smile and took pride in her job.

The couple met years ago in Ghana before moving to the United States in search of better opportunities.

Now, as Clement struggles to cope with the sudden loss, he faces another difficult challenge — raising funds to return Edith’s remains to Ghana for a traditional burial.

The cost of repatriation, which includes embalming, documentation, and air transport, is estimated at around $25,000.

Despite the emotional toll, Clement says honoring his wife’s memory according to Ghanaian customs is something he cannot compromise on.

“It’s part of who we are,” he said. “She deserves to be laid to rest at home, surrounded by family and her people.”

He has since launched a public appeal, hoping that well-wishers, the Ghanaian community abroad, and compassionate individuals will help make that wish a reality.

The Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, D.C., has not yet commented on whether it will assist with the repatriation process, but similar cases in the past have seen support from diaspora organizations and community groups who step in to help bereaved families send their loved ones home.

For now, Clement says he draws strength from his faith and memories of his wife’s kindness and laughter.

“She was my everything,” he said. “I just want to give her the farewell she deserves.”