Vatican City: In a heartfelt message of solidarity and mourning, Pope Leo XIV has extended his deepest condolences to the people of Ghana following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of key government ministers, officials, and crew members on August 6. The pontiff’s sorrow was conveyed through a papal telegram, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, and addressed to Bishop Matthew K. Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Bishop of Sunyani.
The telegram, released by the Holy See Press Office on the evening of August 7, expressed the Pope's spiritual closeness to the grieving nation. “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 message read.
The helicopter, which was en route to Obuasi for a government-led campaign against illegal mining, crashed into a dense forest in Ghana's central Ashanti region. Among the eight onboard were Minister of Defense Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Environment Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, three crew members, and other accompanying officials. There were no survivors.
The tragedy has shaken the West African nation. President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning, during which flags will fly at half-mast, and all official celebrations have been suspended.
Bishop Gyamfi, in a statement through Agenzia Fides, described the crash as a “great national shock” and echoed the Pope’s sentiments. The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference released a separate statement expressing their condolences to the families, the Parliament, and the nation at large. “We ask all Ghanaians to pray for the victims. We are deeply saddened by the loss of such brilliant minds men of proven commitment to the nation and faithful public service. Their deaths are not only a blow to their families but a significant loss to the Republic itself.”
The bishops underscored that the deceased were “gallant officers, technocrats, and political leaders who served with honor and gave their lives in the line of duty.”
This catastrophe marks one of the most significant aviation-related losses for Ghana in recent history and has left the nation grappling with grief. The Vatican’s message, alongside national mourning and the collective prayers of the Catholic Church, serves as a testament to the unity of faith and humanity during tragic times.