Forensic Expert Warns Mishandled Evidence May Jeopardize Helicopter Crash Investigation
Forensic security expert Dr. Lawrence Kofi Acheampong has warned that improper handling of evidence at the site of the August 6 military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District could compromise investigations into the tragedy that claimed eight lives, including two government ministers.
His comments follow concerns over how the bodies of the victims were recovered, placed in sacks, and transported to Accra, as well as footage showing villagers assisting security personnel while handling and displaying parts of the wreckage.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, August 8, 2025, Dr. Acheampong stressed that strict adherence to disaster scene methodology is critical to preserving the integrity of any forensic investigation.
“When disasters occur, we need to follow scene methodology to make sure that we look at evidence. The most important aspect in any forensic investigation is the scene, and at that scene, the evidence,” he said.
He explained that untrained persons should not be allowed access to disaster sites because they risk disturbing vital evidence that experts need to gather.
“There are two major forms of evidence in any disaster or crime scene — direct evidence, such as eyewitness accounts, and circumstantial evidence, which includes scientific findings. The latter is extremely important,” Dr. Acheampong noted.
He described the removal and public display of wreckage parts as a breach of proper investigative procedure, warning that such actions could affect the admissibility and reliability of findings.
“Though biological and scientific evidence may be tampered with, we must ensure that experts uphold the methodology. If the chain of custody is not preserved, the evidence cannot be admissible or trusted,” he cautioned.
