Pope Leo XIV, Head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State has extended his heartfelt condolences to the people of Ghana.
A telegram sent to Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, conveyed the Pope’s sorrow and spiritual solidarity.
Signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, the message read:
“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. 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 statement was released by the Holy See Press Office on Thursday, August 7.
This follows the tragic passing of eight persons in military helicopter crash.
The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in the forested terrain of the Adansi Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region.
The crash has sent shockwaves across the country, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes. Among the victims were:
– Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister of Defence
– Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed – Minister for Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation
– Muniru Mohammed Limuna – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
– Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
– Samuel Aboagye – Former parliamentary candidate
– Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
– Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu
– Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The helicopter was en route to Obuasi for an official assignment targeting illegal mining operations when it reportedly lost radar contact and crashed. There were no survivors.
