Helicopter Crash: Samples of 8 deceased flown to South Africa for DNA analysis (video)

Samples of the mortal remains of the eight (8) individuals who died in last Wednesday’s military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region have been flown to South Africa for forensic analysis and identification.

The samples were transported from Kotoka International Airport today, accompanied by a delegation led by the Head of Forensic Analysis at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Speaking to journalists, Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak disclosed that although the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital, further testing was required.

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He stated:

The minister added that a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the tragic incident. He indicated that the results of the forensic tests are expected to be available within six to twelve (12) hours.

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The deceased include:

• Dr Omane Boamah, former Minister for Defence

• Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, former Minister for Environment

• Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture

• Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress

• Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate

• Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala

• Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu

• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

ALSO READ: 3-day national mourning begins for Omane Boamah, Murtala Mohammed, and 6 other helicopter crash victims

Meanwhile, a three-day national mourning period began today, Thursday, 7 August, with a wreath-laying ceremony held at Jubilee House. The event was attended by President John Mahama, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and several senior government officials.