Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of ministers, senior government officials, and military crew members who died in a helicopter crash in Ghana on Wednesday, August 6.
The Holy Father’s condolences were conveyed in a telegram signed by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and addressed to Bishop Matthew K. Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
The message was released by the Holy See Press Office on Thursday, August 7.
“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends his condolences upon the deaths of the ministers, government officials, and all who perished in the military helicopter crash,” the message read.
The Pope further stated, “Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the mercy of Almighty God, and with prayers for those who mourn their loss, especially their families, the Holy Father assures the nation of his spiritual closeness at this difficult time.”
The fatal crash occurred in a heavily forested area of the Adansi Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region, claiming all eight lives on board. Those on the aircraft included Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong.
The military crew comprised Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. The helicopter was en route to Obuasi for an official assignment targeting the fight against illegal mining when it went off radar and crashed. There were no survivors.
In a separate statement, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference mourned the national loss and extended condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, Parliament, the victims’ families, and the nation.
“We ask all Ghanaians to pray for them. We are shocked to lose such brilliant minds all at once,” the statement said. The bishops described the deceased as “men of proven commitment, servants of the state, politicians, technocrats, and gallant officers of the Ghana Armed Forces who gave their lives in the service of the Republic, its institutions, and the people.”
“Their sudden and untimely passing is not only a blow to their families and friends, but also a great loss for the nation,” the statement added. President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.