Key points:
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Two Ghanaian ministers among eight dead
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Global condolences from AfDB, Nigeria, Pope Leo
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State funeral confirmed for August 15
CONDOLENCES are pouring in from across Africa and beyond following the August 6 helicopter crash in Ghana’s Ashanti Region that killed eight people, including two senior government ministers.
Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed were among those on board the military helicopter en route to Obuasi for an event on illegal mining. The aircraft lost radar contact before crashing in a forested area. There were no survivors.
Ghana has declared three days of national mourning, with a state funeral planned for August 15.
AfDB and EUACC lead initial tributes
Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, called the tragedy a ‘devastating national tragedy’.
‘At this time of national grief and mourning, my wife Grace and I, together with the African Development Bank’s staff, Management, and Boards of Directors, express our heartfelt condolences to President John Mahama, the bereaved families, and the entire Government and people of Ghana,’ he said.
The European Union-Africa Chamber of Commerce (EUACC) also expressed solidarity. Executive Director Sonia Toro said: ‘We mourn alongside the Ghana Armed Forces and the ruling National Democratic Congress and recognise the gravity of this national tragedy… May Ghana’s unity guide the nation toward healing.’
Nigeria: ‘Profound void in West Africa’
The Federal Government of Nigeria described the crash as a loss not only to Ghana but to the West African region.
‘This devastating incident has not only robbed Ghana of distinguished public servants but has also left a profound void in the region,’ Nigeria’s statement read.
It paid tribute to the ministers’ contributions to regional security and environmental sustainability, adding: ‘Nigeria stands in solidarity with Ghana during this period of immense grief… May the Almighty grant Ghana the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.’
Kenya’s President Ruto sends condolences
President William Ruto of Kenya conveyed a message of solidarity with Ghana, extending ‘his nation’s thoughts and prayers to the grieving country.’ The Kenyan leader described the tragedy as a blow to the entire continent, underscoring the importance of African unity in times of mourning.
Cuba joins chorus of sorrow
Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez also issued a message via social media, describing the event as a tragedy for Africa.
‘Our deepest condolences to the people and government of Ghana, following the tragic air crash in which the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation died; together with other official authorities of the country,’ he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Pope Leo: ‘Spiritual closeness to Ghana’
The Vatican joined in the global outpouring of grief. In a telegram published by the Holy See Press Office, Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow over the loss of life in the crash.
‘His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends his condolences upon the deaths of the ministers, government officials and all who perished… Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the mercy of Almighty God… the Holy Father assures the nation of his spiritual closeness at this difficult time,’ the message read.
The telegram was addressed to Bishop Matthew K. Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Ghana’s Catholic bishops: ‘A great national loss’
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference described the loss as a blow not only to families and friends but also to the nation as a whole.
‘We ask all Ghanaians to pray for them,’ the bishops said in a statement. ‘Their sudden and untimely passing is not only a blow to their families and friends, but also a great loss for the nation… They were men of proven commitment, servants of the state… who gave their lives in the service of the Republic.’
State funeral to be held on August 15
An official ‘Evening of Reflections and Memorials’ will be held on Saturday, August 9, at 5.00 pm at the forecourt of the State House in Accra. This will close the three days of national mourning.
A full state funeral is scheduled for Thursday, August 15, at Black Star Square. The ceremony will be inter-denominational, with dignitaries from across Africa and the international community expected to attend.
As Ghana prepares to lay its fallen to rest, the strength of global support and expressions of unity reflect the depth of loss — and the enduring bonds that link the country to the continent and the world.
