GAF Helicopter Crash: Pope Leo XIV Mourns Tragic Loss of Ghanaian Leaders in Devastating Accident
- Pope Leo XIV has extended his condolences after the loss of eight lives in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) helicopter crash
- In a touching message, the pontiff paid special tribute to the Ghanaian leaders who perished and prayed for their souls
- Netizens who saw the post by the Pope were deeply touched and expressed their sympathies in the comments section
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
Pope Leo XIV has expressed profound sorrow and spiritual solidarity with Ghanaians following the tragic loss of eight lives in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.
In a heartfelt telegram sent to Don Matthew K Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Episcopal Conference of Ghana, Pope Leo XIV expressed his 'spiritual closeness at this difficult time' to the people of Ghana.
Source: Twitter
Eight people perish in GAF helicopter accident
Eight people, including two prominent government personalities, perished in a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash which occurred on August 6, 2025.
Among the victims were Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others who tragically perished in the crash.
Aside from these, the Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru, former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong, and former legislator Samuel Aboagye, were involved in the crash.
Three army personnel, namely Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, were also on board.
Source: Facebook
The disaster occurred in the Ashanti region when a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crashed shortly after departing from the capital city, Accra, on its way to Obuasi in the northwest.
The accident, whose cause remains under investigation, has left the country in mourning.
Pope Leo mourns with Ghana after crash
Signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope conveyed his deep sorrow for the loss of the ministers, government officials, and all others who perished in his message.
The Catholic leader also entrusted the souls of the deceased to the mercy of God and offered a prayer for comfort and strength for the grieving families and the entire nation.
The Pope's message is listed below:
President Mahama declares national period of mourning
In response to the disaster, Ghana's President, John Mahama, has declared a national period of mourning to honour the victims.
Flags are flying at half-mast, and the country is united in remembrance of the leaders and public servants who tragically lost their lives.
Netizens mourn eight lost in helicopter crash
Netizens who saw the Pope's message were heartbroken. Many took to the comments section to express their heartfelt condolences.
@Lucia Ramos wrote:
"May God give strength to everyone 🙌 🙏."
@Josi Mara wrote:
"May God comfort their families."
@Maria Regina Da Matta Góes wrote:
"My sincere condolences to all the family, and may God comfort all the family and friends."
Read also
"Deep personal loss": Mahama speaks on deaths from army helicopter crash for the first time
@Vera Lucia Quadros wrote:
"May God comfort the family members. In unity of prayer."
@Sonia Raposo wrote:
"May God receive them and give strength to all the family members in this sad moment of losing their loved ones. 🙏😔🌹."
Elvis Afriyie Ankrah sympathises with bereaved families
Earlier, YEN.com.gh also reported that Elvis Afriyie Ankrah had paid an emotional tribute to the victims of the tragic helicopter crash in Ghana.
The eight victims, including key government officials, politicians and military personnel, were killed when the aircraft went down in Obuasi.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
