Pope Leo XIV has expressed his condolences to the people of Ghana following the military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight senior officials and military personnel.
In a message released by the Vatican on Thursday, the Pope said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident and assured Ghanaians of his prayers and spiritual support.
The telegram, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, was addressed to Bishop Matthew K. Gyamfi of the Sunyani Diocese and the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
“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 said.
The Pope also entrusted the souls of the deceased “to the mercy of Almighty God” and extended his prayers to the bereaved families and the nation.
Victims of the crash
The helicopter went down on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, near Adansi Akrofuom in Ghana’s Ashanti Region. The officials were en route to a national event at the time of the crash.
Among those killed were:
Dr Edward Omane Boamah – Minister of Defence
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr Samuel Sarpong
Mr Samuel Aboagye – National Vice Chairman of the ruling NDC
Three members of the Ghana Armed Forces also died:
Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
Flight Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The Ghanaian government has declared three days of national mourning. A wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Ceremonial Gardens at the Presidency in Accra on Thursday.
A national vigil is expected to be held, with mourning activities culminating in a commemorative event on Saturday, 9 August.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.
