Pope Leo XIV pays tribute to the victims of Ghana helicopter crash

Pope Leo XIV has paid tribute to the deaths of two ministers, senior government officials, and military personnel who perished in a tragic helicopter crash in Ghana on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

In a telegram signed by the Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and addressed to the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Matthew K. Gyamfi, the Holy Father conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved.

“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 read.

“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 helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, went down in a heavily forested area of the Ashanti Region. Among those on board were Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister of Environment, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

The officials were en route to Obuasi for an assignment linked to combating illegal mining.There were no survivors.