Pope Leo XIV Expresses Spiritual Closeness with Families of Helicopter Crash Victims in Ghana

Others on the ill-fated helicopter were Dr. Samuel Sarpong, the Vice Chairman, National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Dr. Samuel Aboagye, the Former Parliamentary Candidate.

There were also three Gallant Crew Members of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF): Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampad and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Those who perished were traveling to the town of Obuasi for an event related to stopping illegal mining. There were no survivors.

Meanwhile, the Ghana National Catholic Youth Council (GHANCYC) has expressed sorrow over the incident, extending their “deepest condolences to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana, to the bereaved families, to the institutions and communities these gallant men so faithfully served, and to the entire citizenry of Ghana, who are united in grief at this painful moment in our national life.”

“We pay tribute to the exemplary service, unwavering commitment, and steadfast dedication of the departed men who gave themselves generously and wholeheartedly to the cause of national peace, security, development, and the welfare of the Ghanaian people,” they in their August 6 statement.

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GHANCYC says the lives of the eight Ghanaians were “marked by courage, integrity, and an enduring sense of duty to our country. Their loss is not only a personal tragedy for their families and communities but also a profound national bereavement that has left a deep void in our shared spirit as a people.”

They urge all citizens of Ghana to “stand together in unity, compassion, and mutual support.”

“Let us draw strength from our shared faith in God and from the cherished memories of those we have lost. May their legacy inspire us to greater service, deeper solidarity, and renewed dedication to building a just, peaceful, and resilient Ghana,” GHANCYC members say.

They commend the souls of the departed to the “boundless mercy of Almighty God, praying that He may grant them eternal rest, comfort the bereaved families and loved ones, strengthen our national leaders, and guide our nation through this time of sorrow towards healing and hope.”

“May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace,” GHANCYC members implore.

President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning following the crash.

The Union of the African Catholic Press (UCAP) has also extended its “sincere condolences to the Head of State of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, his Government and all the authorities,” following the August 6 tragic incident.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa on Thursday, August 7, UCAP President Charles Ayetan commends the “souls of our illustrious departed to God's mercy and express our compassion and solidarity with the families of the victims of this tragedy.”

Meanwhile, the High Commission of the Republic of Ghana in Nairobi has presented its compliments to the Ghanaian Community in Kenya and the accredited countries (Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi), following the tragedy.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa on Friday, August 8, the High Commission says, “a Book of Condolence has been opened for signing at the High Commission premises (214 Muthaiga Road, Nairobi) from Friday, 8th August 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM”, in honor of the victims.

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“The High Commission extends an invitation to all Ghanaians, friends of Ghana, and well-wishers to pay their respects by signing the book.  May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” the statement reads in part.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.