Head of the Forensics Department at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Richmond Afoakwa, says Ghana has the capacity to conduct DNA testing locally.
However, he believes the government may have had its own reasons for sending samples from the recent military helicopter crash to South Africa.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Afoakwa noted that both the Ghana Police Service and the Fire Service are equipped with the necessary tools and trained personnel for such forensic examinations.
According to him, several private laboratories in the country also have the capacity to handle DNA testing.
“During the COVID-19 period, DNA testing was done locally, and those facilities are still available. In fact, the same equipment used in South Africa is available here in Ghana,” he said.
While acknowledging the country’s capacity, Dr. Afoakwa said the decision to outsource the testing may have been influenced by factors such as expediency and public perception.
“Listening to the Interior Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, it appears the decision may be linked to how quickly the results are needed or the trust some Ghanaians place in work done abroad,” he added.
He stressed that under normal circumstances, DNA results could be produced within 24 hours in Ghana, especially when both antemortem and reference samples are readily available.
However, he noted that the condition of the remains—such as severe burning—can make DNA extraction more difficult.
Dr. Afoakwa further pointed out that cultural and religious considerations, particularly for Muslim victims, make timely identification critical.
He concluded by extending condolences to the bereaved families, the government, and the entire nation, describing the incident as a tragic loss for all Ghanaians.
Samples of the remains of the eight individuals who died in Wednesday’s helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region were flown to South Africa for DNA testing to assist in their identification.
The deceased include two cabinet ministers: Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Also on board were Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; and Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Three Ghana Air Force personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flight Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah — also perished during the official mission to Obuasi.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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