Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow following the deaths of senior government officials, ministers, and military personnel in a helicopter crash in Ghana on Wednesday, August 6.
In a telegram conveyed through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and addressed to Bishop Matthew K. Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Pontiff extended his prayers and solidarity to the nation.
“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends his heartfelt condolences for the loss of the ministers, government officials, and all who perished in the military helicopter crash,” the message stated.
Entrusting the deceased “to the mercy of Almighty God,” the Holy Father offered prayers for those grieving, especially their families, and assured the country of his closeness during this time of mourning.
The message was made public by the Holy See Press Office on Thursday, August 7.
The crash took place in a heavily forested area within the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claiming the lives of all eight people on board. Among the victims were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong.
The military crew; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah also died in the incident.
The helicopter was headed to Obuasi on an anti-illegal mining mission when it reportedly vanished from radar and crashed, leaving no survivors.
In a separate statement, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference lamented the loss, describing the victims as individuals of proven dedication and service to the state.
“We ask all Ghanaians to join in prayer for their eternal rest. This loss is a heavy blow not only to their families but to the entire nation,” the statement read.
President John Mahama has since declared three days of national mourning, while investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.
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