The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders Chair for South Africa, Mr Benjamin Quashie, has addressed the controversy over Ghana’s decision to seek forensic investigations in South Africa to identify the remains of the eight victims of the military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom, whose bodies were burnt beyond recognition.

He stressed that seeking forensic assistance from another country is a common and accepted practice worldwide.

Speaking on Prime Morning on Joy Prime on Monday, August 11, Mr Quashie noted that even developed nations sometimes request second opinions from foreign forensic experts for verification purposes.

“It is a common practice worldwide. 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 did,” he stated.

The High Commissioner Designate for South Africa explained that the extreme nature of the burns sustained by the victims warranted the government’s decision to re-affirm the identities of the deceased.

He rejected suggestions that Ghana’s own forensic experts were overlooked, clarifying that the process began at the Ghana Police Headquarters Forensic Laboratory before the samples were sent to South Africa.

“They started the whole process at the Police Forensic Lab, and we needed to re-affirm what they did. That was exactly what occurred,” he explained.

Mr Quashie emphasised that the decision to take the samples to South Africa came from President John Dramani Mahama after receiving a detailed briefing.

“I didn’t make that suggestion. I’m told the suggestion came from His Excellency the President when he received a proper briefing on the matter,” he clarified.

Explaining why South Africa was chosen over other countries, he highlighted two main factors: urgency and proximity.

The five-hour flight from Ghana to South Africa allowed for swift transportation of samples, ensuring that the Islamic requirement for prompt burial could be met.

He further revealed that the President instructed the South African forensic team to work through the night to expedite the results.

“This is one key reason why the President may have suggested South Africa. He knew we could work overtime to ensure the results were delivered in record time,” Mr Quashie noted.

He also commended the efforts of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Ghana’s mission in Pretoria for facilitating the necessary diplomatic arrangements.

Additionally, he praised Dr Abban, Director of the DNA and Forensic Laboratory of the Ghana Police Service, for collaborating closely with his South African counterpart for nearly 18 hours to complete the analysis.

“I think he deserves commendation from the country for his efforts,” Mr Quashie added.

Islamic burial rites have already been conducted for the Muslim victims of the 6 August 2025 crash, while the remains of the non-Muslim victims will be interred later following Akan customs and traditions.

As the nation mourns, questions remain over whether the deaths of these gallant citizens will galvanise Ghana to intensify its fight against illegal mining.