The Ghana Academy of Forensic Sciences (GAFS) has assured of its readiness to work with the Government of Ghana to institute a National Forensic Policy.
This follows the death of 8 persons aboard the Z-9 military helicopter after it crashed in Adansi Akrofuom on Wednesday, 7th August, 2025.
The victims included Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, 3 members of the Ghana Armed Forces and 3 public officials.
The deceased were on their way to the launch of the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Obuasi when the crash occurred.
In a statement signed by GAFS’ President, Dr. Pet-Paul Wepaba, the Academy intimated that the National Forensic Policy “will serve as a vital framework for coordinated legal response, effective disaster victim identification and national resilience.”
They further cemented the essence of the National Forensic Policy as follows:
- Enhance crime scene management, including aviation and disaster incidents.
- Ensure contemporary and scientific investigation practices in line with global standards.
- Support dignified handling of human remains and culturally sensitive family liaison processes.
- Facilitate accurate and timely mass fatality identification using DNA and other forensic techniques to provide closure for grieving families.
The statement comes at a time security and forensic science experts have lamented about the manner in which the military helicopter’s crash site in Adansi Akrofuom has been handled.
GAFS called on stakeholders to prioritize investment in forensic infrastructure, policy and capacity building to ready the country to respond to mass future incidents.
The Academy further raised concern on how the deceased bodies were managed, recovered and transported emphasizing “The approach appeared to lack adherence to international standards for disaster scene management and victim recovery.”
The statement extended the Academy’s heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, loved ones and the entire nation during this period of grief.
Read the full statement below:
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Source: Afote Asomdwoe Laryea/ATLFMNEWS
