A Ghanaian delegation has arrived safely in South Africa on Friday to carry out forensic tests on the eight victims who perished in the tragic military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday.
The delegation’s mission is to work with South African forensic laboratories and officials to perform DNA and other forensic analyses that will establish the identities of the eight people involved in the accident.
Ghanaian authorities say the tests will be used to confirm identities before any remains are repatriated and next-of-kin are formally notified.
According to official sources, the team consists of senior CID forensic investigators skilled in crime-scene examination, mortuary procedures and chain-of-custody protocols. They are tasked with overseeing the forensic process, ensuring evidence is handled according to Ghanaian legal and procedural standards, and liaising with South African forensic experts to expedite reliable identification.
Accompanying the investigators is Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to South Africa — who will provide diplomatic support, facilitate cooperation between the two countries’ agencies, and help coordinate consular arrangements for the families and the repatriation process under the instructions and directions of Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Forensic identification in cases of severe trauma often relies on DNA profiling, dental records comparison and other laboratory methods. The Ghanaian investigators will collect, review and authenticate relevant samples and records and collaborate with the South African laboratories to match remains with reference samples supplied by relatives or from existing records.
Once identifications are confirmed, the Ghanaian authorities will complete the necessary legal formalities and arrange for the transfer of remains back to Ghana.
Background
The helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom area of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, claimed eight lives. The tragedy prompted national mourning and immediate investigative action authorized by President John Dramani Mahama.
The government has also signalled it will keep the public informed as identification work progresses and as plans for repatriation and national mourning rituals are finalised.
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that a state funeral will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in honour of the eight victims.
The victims are:
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Alhaji Dr. Murtala Mohammed, MP for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO
Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Ghana Air Force
Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, Ghana Air Force
Sergeant Ernest Addo, Ghana Air Force
Source: Newstitbits.com
