Helicopter Crash: Forensic Results from South Africa Expected in 6–12 Hours

Forensic examination results on the Ghana Air Force helicopter crash victims are expected within 6–12 hours in South Africa.

Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, who disclosed this after samples of the heavily burnt bodies were airlifted to South Africa on Thursday for advanced forensic examination, said there was the need for some of the procedures to be conducted outside Ghana.

Delayed burials

Burial arrangements for the eight victims of last Wednesday’s fatal crash in Adansi Akrofuom District, Ashanti Region, have been delayed due to Ghana’s inability to complete forensic DNA testing locally.

Initially, authorities had hoped to identify the severely burnt remains through domestic forensic procedures before burial—particularly for the Muslim victims, whose religious customs require prompt interment. However, Ghana’s forensic facilities were unable to conduct the necessary analysis.

As a result, samples from the victims were airlifted to South Africa on Thursday for advanced forensic examination.

The samples were transported via a Dzata aircraft from Kotoka International Airport, accompanied by a delegation led by the Head of Forensic Analysis at the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Explanation

Muntaka explained that while all recovered bodies had been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital, further testing abroad was essential to ensure accuracy.

“We thank God that all the bodies were recovered and brought to Accra last night. However, to ensure a thorough investigation, additional forensic examinations were needed to eliminate any doubts. Some of these procedures had to be conducted outside the country, which is why we sent the samples to South Africa,” he told journalists.