Families of the three girls who were kidnapped in Takoradi last year have finally agreed to police DNA request, after initially declining to participate.

The tests will help police determine whether or not the human remains found in a septic tank at a suspect’s residence, are those of the kidnapped girls – Priscilla Mantebea Koranchie, Ruthlove Quayson and Priscilla Blessing Bentum.

The septic tank which housed the human remains

The girls have been missing for a year. Two suspects – Samuel Udoteuk-Wills and John Orji - are currently undergoing trial for their abduction.

It was at Udoteuk-Wills’ residence that the human remains were exhumed last week by the police.

The families had decided not to participate in any DNA tests because they did not trust the police.

But a spokesperson for the families, Michael Grant-Hayford, said they are all now willing to cooperate with the police in providing samples for forensic analysis.

“It was a tough decision for the families to make but the police are saying that for the investigations to go on, they need to do the DNA test,” he said.

He, however, added that the families want an independent forensic analyst present during the tests.

The police have said that request will be considered.

Director-General of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, ACP David Eklu said: “those concerns will be taken into consideration because we also want results that will be accepted by both parties.”