Pet-Paul Wepeba, President of the Ghana Academy of Forensics Services (GAFS), has called for urgent reforms to Ghana’s forensic science systems, citing significant gaps in disaster response and crime scene management exposed by the recent Z-9 military helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday, (8 August), Wepeba emphasised that proper disaster scene management is critical—not only to preserve evidence and ensure justice but also to uphold dignity for victims and protect public health.
Scene contamination and public misunderstanding
Wepeba criticised the lack of public awareness and institutional preparedness in managing disaster scenes.
He explained that internationally accepted protocols require a three-layered cordon: an inner layer for the immediate crime scene, a second for operational coordination, and an outer perimeter for media and family members.
“But when it comes to Ghana,” he lamented, “it looks as if the knowledge within the general public—and even within certain mandated institutions—is quite lacking.”
He warned that well-meaning but untrained bystanders often contaminate crime scenes, making forensic reconstruction difficult or impossible. “If you are not an expert, you would rather wait for the experts to arrive and carry out their mandate,” he advised.
Mishandling of remains and lack of basic tools
Wepeba also condemned the mishandling of human remains following the Z-9 crash, noting footage showing bodies transported in makeshift materials rather than proper body bags.
“In situations like this, you need body bags,” he said. “They present a level of dignity to the victims and also protect the handlers from infections the deceased might carry.”
He called for a national conversation on disaster preparedness and urged the government to prioritise and adequately resource institutions responsible for these critical tasks. “Disasters are bound to happen,” he said. “It’s not a matter of if, but when.”
Identification challenges: Why DNA matters
Turning to victim identification, Wepeba explained that conventional methods like visual recognition and dental records are ineffective in severe disasters—particularly in Ghana, where dental record-keeping is minimal.
DNA analysis, he said, is the most reliable approach. “You could do a direct match using personal items or kinship testing if relatives are available,” he explained.
In the case of the Z-9 crash, where remains were commingled and fragmented, DNA testing is complex and requires advanced equipment.
“We have the human expertise in Ghana,” he said, “but the technology isn’t sufficient for quick and reliable analysis. That’s why tissue samples are being sent to South Africa.”
National forensic policy: A missing framework
Wepeba emphasised that the lack of a national forensic policy is a major impediment to progress. Such a policy, he argued, would establish clear protocols for disaster victim identification, crime scene management, and DNA database governance.
“With a national forensic policy, we could develop a national DNA database for missing persons and criminal investigations,” he said. “But it must be backed by legislation to protect personal data and prevent misuse of biological material.”
He warned that without regulation, sensitive information extracted from DNA could be abused. “You can’t just start a process like that without a clear policy. DNA can tell every story about you,” he cautioned.
Economic and Regional Potential
Beyond justice and disaster response, Wepeba believes a national forensic policy would stimulate job creation and establish Ghana as a regional hub for forensic science.
“If we build the infrastructure and systems, Ghana can serve neighbouring countries while advancing our own capabilities,” he said. “Forensic science is vital for development—it brings together health, law enforcement, and human rights.”
A call for respect and preparedness
Throughout his interview, Wepeba stressed the importance of treating deceased persons with dignity, regardless of the circumstances of their death.
“The fact that someone has passed doesn’t mean we should treat them without respect. We need to give them that dignity,” he said. “You never know whose turn it will be next. We must put the right structures in place for the sake of us all.”
A legacy of innovation
Wepeba closed by reminding listeners that Ghana has a pioneering history in forensic science. “The first time DNA was used for kinship verification was in 1985, and it involved a Ghanaian,” he said. “So what have we waited for until now?”
His message was clear: with political will, resource allocation, and public education, Ghana can reclaim its leadership in forensic science—and save lives, deliver justice, and protect its people in the process.
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