Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of ministers, government officials, and military crew members who perished in a helicopter crash in Ghana on Wednesday, August 6.

The Holy Father’s condolences were conveyed in a telegram post signed by Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and addressed to Bishop Matthew K. Gyamfi of the Sunyani Diocese, who also serves as President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference. The Holy See Press Office released the message on the evening of 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.”

“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 crash, which occurred in a heavily forested area of the Adansi Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region, claimed all eight lives on board. The aircraft was transporting Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; as well as Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong.

The crew members were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

They were en route to Obuasi to participate in an official assignment focused on combating illegal mining. The helicopter reportedly went off radar before crashing, leaving no survivors.

In response to the tragedy, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference issued a statement mourning the national loss and extending condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, Parliament, the families of the victims, and the entire country.

“We ask all Ghanaians to pray for them. We are shocked to lose such brilliant minds all at once.”

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 since declared three days of national mourning, as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.