The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders Chair for South Africa, Mr. Benjamin Quashie, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the government’s decision to seek forensic investigations in South Africa to determine the identity of the remains of the eight victims who perished in the helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom.
Speaking to the media, Quashie emphasized that seeking forensic assistance from another country is a common occurrence globally.
“It’s a common practice worldwide,” Quashie stated. “In the US, for instance, when certain incidents occur, they seek a second opinion or affirmation of their findings to verify their accuracy. This is precisely what the government under John Dramani Mahama did.”
Quashie explained that the severity of burns suffered by the victims necessitated further investigation to reaffirm their identities. He dismissed rumors circulating that the government had ignored forensic experts in Ghana in favor of those in South Africa, clarifying that the process began with the Ghana Police Headquarters Forensic Laboratory before further investigation was sought from South Africa.
“The whole process started at the Police Forensic Lab, and we needed to reaffirm what they did. That was exactly what occurred,” Quashie explained. He revealed that the decision to authorize taking the samples to South Africa for further analysis was made by the President, who received a proper briefing on the matter.
Quashie justified the choice of South Africa over other countries, citing the urgency of the situation and the proximity of the country, which is only a 5-hour flight from Ghana. He commended the efforts of the Ghanaian team, led by Dr. Abban, Director of the DNA and Forensic Laboratory of the Ghana Police, who worked closely with their South African counterparts to obtain the results in record time.
The official Islamic burial ceremonies have been held for the Muslim victims, while the remains of non-Muslim victims will be interred later according to Akan customs and traditions. As the nation mourns the loss of these gallant citizens, Quashie’s justification of the government’s actions aims to provide clarity and reassurance.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
