Remains to South Africa for forensic analysis in the wake of a devastating military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight respected servicemen, controversy has erupted over the government’s decision to fly the victims’ instead of conducting the tests locally.
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Health Minister Mintah Akandoh has faced mounting criticism from forensic experts, citizens, and professional bodies who question why a country like Ghana—with established forensic infrastructure—had to outsource such a critical responsibility.
Minister Defends Decision
Speaking at a press briefing, Minister Mintah Akandoh attempted to clarify the government’s position. “We didn’t take the decision lightly,” he explained. “We needed confirmation beyond any doubt. Anything done locally requires further validation abroad to ensure international credibility and to remove all shadow of doubt.”
This statement, however, did not sit well with several prominent forensic experts in the country. Dr. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, a Forensic Pathologist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), pushed back strongly. “We have the men and the machines to conduct DNA analysis right here in Ghana. We’ve done it before and have the capacity to do it again,” he stated.
Forensic Experts Demand Change
The Ghana Academy of Forensic Sciences (GAFS) issued a formal statement following the health minister’s comments. They expressed deep concern over the decision to send the bodies abroad and questioned the protocols observed during the body recovery process. According to the Academy, “The approach appeared to lack adherence to international standards for disaster scene management and victim recovery.”
The GAFS noted that the tragic event has painfully exposed a gap in Ghana’s disaster and forensic response systems. “This is a wake-up call,” the Academy said. “Ghana urgently needs to develop a National Forensic Policy that ensures such errors and delays never happen again.”
Read Also: Forensic Experts Fly Remains to South Africa for DNA Testing
The Call for a National Forensic Policy
Experts and stakeholders are now strongly advocating for the development and implementation of a comprehensive National Forensic Policy. Among the key recommendations outlined by the Ghana Academy of Forensic Sciences are:
- Enhanced Crime Scene Management: Proper handling of aviation and other disaster-related incidents to prevent evidence contamination.
- Scientific Investigative Standards: Aligning Ghana’s forensic practices with globally accepted standards.
- Dignified Handling of Victims: Culturally sensitive family liaison procedures and respect for the deceased during identification.
- Mass Fatality Identification Readiness: The ability to deploy DNA and other modern forensic techniques promptly to provide closure for grieving families.
The Academy further emphasized its willingness to support the government with qualified human resources to lead and manage future Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) operations.
Public Trust and Institutional Confidence at Stake
For many Ghanaians, the decision to rely on foreign forensic labs has cast a shadow of doubt over the credibility of local institutions. “This is not just about science; it’s about national pride, competence, and confidence in our systems,” remarked a social media user, reflecting the growing sentiment of discontent.
This event has reignited a broader national conversation about Ghana’s preparedness to handle emergencies, the funding of forensic facilities, and the need for investment in scientific and technical manpower.
A Moment for Reform
While the tragedy of the helicopter crash has plunged the nation into mourning, it has also unveiled a crucial institutional weakness. As the government continues its investigations and prepares for national burials, the pressure to reform Ghana’s forensic infrastructure intensifies.
If any silver lining is to be found in this tragedy, it may well be the long-overdue attention now being placed on forensic science in Ghana. The time to act, experts argue, is not tomorrow, but now.
