Expressing sympathy for the victims of the crash in Ghana: A statement made by the Pope
Helicopter Crash in Ghana Claims Lives of Two Ministers
A tragic incident occurred in Ghana on August 6, 2025, when a military helicopter, a Harbin Z-9EH of the Ghanaian armed forces, crashed into a forested mountainside in the Ashanti region. The crash took the lives of all eight people on board, including Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, as well as other officials.
The helicopter had taken off from the capital Accra at 9:12 local time and was headed north-west to Obuasi. The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, with no official reports providing further details.
In response to this tragic event, Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram to Bishop Matthew K. Gyamfi, President of the Ghanaian Episcopal Conference, expressing spiritual closeness and offering condolences for the loss of life. The Pontiff commended the souls of the deceased to the mercy of Almighty God and offered prayers for those who mourn, particularly the families of the victims.
The telegram, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, was sent to express support and condolences following the crash. President John Mahama has also declared a national day of mourning, but the specific date has not been announced.
The crash occurred during local time 9:12, which is 11:12 in Italy. On board the helicopter were three crew members, three public officials, and the two ministers.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the nation of Ghana and the international community mourn the loss of these esteemed leaders and others who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The investigation into the helicopter crash in Ghana is focusing on various aspects, including general-news topics such as politics, as the victims consisted of Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. Following the tragic incident, the nation of Ghana and the international community have expressed their condolences, including Pope Leo XIV who sent a telegram offering spiritual support and prayers.
The tragic helicopter crash in Ghana has caused an outpouring of grief across the nation and the world, as it resulted in the loss of esteemed leaders like Defense Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who were major figures in Ghanaian politics.
