Seeking forensics on helicopter crash victims in SA was for re-affirmation of results – asserts Mr. Benjamin Quashie

Government’s decision to seek further assistance in identifying remains of 8 victims of the helicopter crash, acceptable – says Mr. Benjamin Quashie.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders Chair for South Africa, Mr. Benjamin Quashie, has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the rationale behind Ghana seeking forensic investigations into the remains of the eight victims who perished in the helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom, to identify individuals whose remains were charred beyond recognition.

He emphasized that a nation seeking forensic assistance from another country is a common occurrence globally.

Speaking on Prime Morning on Joy Prime this Monday, August 11, 2025, Quashie emphasized that developed countries often seek forensic investigations from other countries under specific circumstances for re-affirmation 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.

In a bid to justify the government’s actions, the High Commissioner Designate for South Africa observed that, given the severity of burns suffered by the victims, the government undertook this exercise to re-affirm the identities of the fallen heroes.

He dismissed rumours circulating that the government ignored forensic experts in Ghana in favour of those in SA. On this point, he added that the whole process began with the Ghana Police Headquarters Forensic Laboratory before further investigation was sought from SA. “They started the whole process at the Police Forensic Lab, and we needed to re-affirm what they did. That was exactly what occurred,” Quashie explained.

Reacting to the decision to authorize taking the samples to SA for further analysis, the SA NDC Chair revealed it was the President’s decision, clarifying that he is the High Commissioner Designate and not yet the substantive High Commissioner. “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,” Mr. Quashie clarified.

Justifying why SA was chosen over any other country, the High Commissioner Designate underscored two factors: the urgency of the situation – requiring results so Muslims amongst the victims could be buried as early as possible – and the proximity of SA, which is only a 5-hour flight from Ghana. Indeed, he revealed the President instructed the South African team not to sleep and to remain present in the lab to ensure the results were ready for submission to Ghana.

One meritorious reason for needing the results promptly was to meet the Islamic requirement that the departed be buried as soon as practicable. “This is one key reason why the President may have suggested SA. He knew we could work overtime to ensure the results were delivered in record time to the country,” he explained.

Notwithstanding, Quashie recognized the endeavours of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, in ensuring that all necessary diplomatic channels were accessible to them. Adding that “Ghana’s mission in Pretoria did a fantastic job, we thank you sincerely,” he appreciated their efforts.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Benjamin Quashie commended Dr. Abban, Director of the DNA and Forensic Laboratory of the Ghana Police, for working closely with his South African counterpart for close to 18 hours to get the results in record time. “I think he deserves commendation from the country for his efforts,” he added.

The official Islamic burial ceremonies have been held for the Muslim victims who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. The remains of non-Muslim victims will be interred later according to Akan customs and traditions.

Arising from this tragic event, the nation mourns. However, whether these gallant citizens’ deaths will spur Ghana to escalate its fight against illegal mining remains to be seen.