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

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

“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 Vatican message was released by the Holy See Press Office on Thursday, August 7.

The crash occurred in a densely forested part of the Adansi Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region. All eight occupants of the military aircraft were killed.

They included Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; and NDC Vice Chairman, Samuel Sarpong.

The flight crew—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—also died in the crash.

The helicopter was en route to Obuasi for an official anti-illegal mining assignment when it reportedly went off radar and crashed with no survivors.

Reacting to the incident, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference issued a statement mourning the loss and calling for national prayer.

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

They described the victims 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.”

President John Mahama has declared three days of national mourning as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.