ACCRA – Pope Leo XIV has offered his condolences following the tragic helicopter crash in Ghana that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including government officials and military personnel. The Holy Father’s message of sympathy was conveyed in a telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and addressed to Bishop Matthew K. Gyamfi, 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 stated. The Pope entrusted the souls of the deceased to Almighty God’s mercy and assured the nation of his spiritual closeness.
The crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 6, in the Adansi Akrofuom District, claimed all eight lives on board. The victims included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. Also among the deceased were Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong. The three crew members were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The helicopter was en route to Obuasi to participate in an official assignment focused on combating illegal mining.
In a separate statement, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference mourned the loss, describing the victims as “men of proven commitment, servants of the state, politicians, technocrats, and gallant officers of the Ghana Armed Forces.”
President John Dramani Mahama has since declared three days of national mourning as investigations into the crash’s cause continue.
