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Dr Paul Poku Sampene Ossei, a forensic pathologist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), has expressed concern over the decision to sponsor the forensic examination of the victims of the helicopter crash in South Africa.
The Forensic Pathologist believes that the DNA analysis could have been conducted in Ghana, and describes the decision as troubling for many professionals in the field.
He noted that the samples from helicopter crash victims being sent to South Africa for DNA analysis means the government has no respect and confidence in the Ghana medical system.
Speaking on Onua FM, Dr. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei stated, “I don’t have a problem when individuals have their own money and want to spend, but when you are using the State’s financial resources, let’s take it as the flight carrying the remains is for free, we will not consider that, but when they get there, they will have to pay fees.
It is a sort of worry for some of us, but we cannot do much than accept it like that. If you are a Ghanaian doctor and you hear this, you have to make up your own mind.
Basically, there is no confidence in us; it has been shown time without number that they do not have confidence in doctors who are here and the system, especially I don’t want to speak too long”, he added.
However, It has been revealed that Businessman Ibrahim Mahama sponsored Ghana’s emergency transfer of the remains of Wednesday’s tragic military helicopter crash.
The remains of the eight fallen heroes were airlifted to South Africa for advanced forensic testing.
According to reports, due to the severely damaged state of the remains, Ibrahim Mahama offered his private jet to airlift them.
The Dzata jet departed yesterday. Thursday, August 7, 2025, carrying biological samples from the victims.
Ghana’s Head of Forensic Analysis at the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) led the delegation to South Africa.
The DNA testing is expected to be completed within 6 to 12 hours of arrival.
The Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, the IGP, CID Director-General, and other dignitaries held a solemn prayer before takeoff.
He revealed that the samples were sent abroad to accelerate identification and allow for dignified burials. “We are working around the clock to conclude investigations and give families closure,” he said.
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Health Minister, also added that even when testing is done locally, international confirmation is often required.
Dr Omane Boamah and Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, two cabinet members who passed away following a helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6.
The helicopter was carrying eight individuals, including three crew members and five passengers, among them the ministers, a presidential staffer identified as Samuel Sarpong, and the ministers’ security detail.
Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, and Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate, and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of NDC, have all been confirmed dead.
The crew members are Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Watch the video below:
Samples from helicopter crash victims being sent to South Africa for DNA analysis means the government has no respect and confidence in the Ghana medical system. – Dr. Paul Poku Sampene Ossei (Forensic Pathologist, KATH)#OnuaFM #YɛnNsɛmpa pic.twitter.com/VhbLa2dyXu
— Onua FM (@onua951fm) August 8, 2025