World mourns as African leaders, UN, ECOWAS, AU pay tribute following Ghana helicopter tragedy
The tragic helicopter crash in Ghana on August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two senior ministers, has drawn an outpouring of condolences from across the African continent and the international community.
Among the victims were Ghana’s Defence Minister, Edward Omane Boamah, and Environment Minister, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, whose deaths have been described as a profound loss both nationally and continentally.
Leaders from across Africa took to social media and issued official statements, expressing solidarity with Ghana and mourning the lives lost in the line of duty.
Kenyan President, William Ruto, writing on X (formerly Twitter), extended heartfelt condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the people of Ghana, and the bereaved families, reaffirming Kenya’s unwavering support during this painful time.
Similarly, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu released a statement mourning the “deeply painful” loss and commending the deceased ministers for their dedicated service to Ghana.
“This is a deeply painful moment for our Ghanaian brothers and sisters. These men died in the line of duty, serving their nation with honour and courage,” he noted.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also issued a statement signed by Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray, who described the victims as “dedicated public servants”and extended prayers to the affected families and the people of Ghana.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this moment of national grief,” the ECOWAS statement read.
The African Union (AU) echoed the sentiments, with Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf calling the crash a “national tragedy” and reaffirming the AU’s solidarity with Ghana.
“The African Union stands in full solidarity with Ghana in mourning this profound loss. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” he said.
The United Nations in Ghana also joined in mourning, with Resident Coordinator Zia Choudhurydescribing the incident as an “international community’s loss”. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and emphasised the shared grief across nations.
“This tragedy is not only a national wound but also a loss felt across the international community,” Mr Choudhury said.
Meanwhile, the British High Commission in Ghana posted a message of “deep condolences” on social media, highlighting the global resonance of the tragedy.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Government has extended its condolences to Ghana, acknowledging the loss as a significant tragedy not only for Ghana but for the entire African continent and its global partners. The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in Ghana, H.E. Paskal A. B. Rois, described the deaths as a “great loss to Africa and allies of Ghana across the world, including Indonesia.” He praised the eight as “devoted personalities who served with distinction and honour in their line of duty, exhibiting a true spirit of patriotism.” The Indonesian government reaffirmed its solidarity with Ghana and expressed hopes for strength and healing for the affected families.
As Ghana prepares to hold state funerals to honour the victims, the continued messages of support have served as a poignant reminder of the strength of African unity and international solidarity.
