Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of ministers, government officials, and crew members who perished in a military helicopter crash on Wednesday in Ghana.
The Pope’s condolences were conveyed in a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and addressed to Bishop Matthew K. Gyamfi of the Sunyani Diocese, who also serves as President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
In the message, the Holy Father entrusted the souls of the deceased to the mercy of Almighty God.
He offered prayers for those mourning their loss, especially their families, and assured the nation of his spiritual closeness during this difficult time.
The helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, crashed in a heavily forested area of the central Ashanti Region.
Among the passengers were Ghana’s Minister of Defense, Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, along with other officials and crew.
The delegation was en route to the town of Obuasi for an event aimed at addressing illegal mining. There were no survivors.
In response to the tragedy, President John Dramani Mahama has declared three days of national mourning.
By Vatican
8th Aug 2025
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