The Ghana Academy of Forensic Sciences has voiced strong criticism over how the remains of the eight victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash were handled.
Dr. Pet-Paul Wepeba, President of the Academy, has described the decision to transport the bodies in sacks as both “undignified” and a violation of established disaster recovery protocols.
In an interview on Accra-based Citi FM, he stressed that even in death, the victims deserved dignity.
“When it comes to the bodies that were transported, they are humans, for heaven’s sake. For that matter, the situation where they were put in sacks and transported is not a good practice; it doesn’t add up,” he stated.
The crash claimed the lives of several high-profile individuals, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, and three military personnel—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
According to Dr. Wepeba, both Ghana’s own protocols and international best practices require the use of secure, non-leaking body bags with zippers in such situations.
“International best practices, or even in our country, dictate that when situations of this nature occur, we have body bags that come with zips and do not leak. That is dignity. But that wasn’t done,” he stressed.
He warned that failing to follow these guidelines not only disrespects the deceased but also poses a serious public health hazard, as pathogenic organisms could still be present on burnt remains.
“There are pathogenic organisms that may have gotten to these individuals who carried them. So, there are some degrees of public health hazards associated with it,” he added.
Dr. Wepeba urged institutions such as NADMO, the police, and other emergency agencies to strengthen their preparedness to ensure such breaches do not occur again.
Source: Adomonline
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