• Contact US
  • Advertise With US
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Submit Station
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Kumasi Mail
Advertisement
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Education
    • Health
    • Manhyia
    Chaos erupts 40-day observation of late Akwatia MP

    Chaos erupts 40-day observation of late Akwatia MP

    Bawumia vows to empower youth with major investments in YEA

    Bawumia dismisses speculations on running mate selection

    Osei Yaw Adutwum files nomination to contest NPP flagbearership

    Osei Yaw Adutwum files nomination to contest NPP flagbearership

    GHS alarmed as Family Planning Acceptor Rate drops from 37% to 33.6%

    GHS alarmed as Family Planning Acceptor Rate drops from 37% to 33.6%

    Dr. Stephen Amoah Warns: Don’t Steal Our Concept as Ken’s Campaign Launches ‘National Worship and Praises’

    Dr. Stephen Amoah Warns: Don’t Steal Our Concept as Ken’s Campaign Launches ‘National Worship and Praises’

    Prophet Roja Reveals He Helped 34 MPs Win in 2024 Election, Only Three Have Thanked Him

    Prophet Roja Reveals He Helped 34 MPs Win in 2024 Election, Only Three Have Thanked Him

    GoldBod begins licensing of gold trading service providers, enforces new directives

    GoldBod suspends Evanex Gold Enterprise’s License over illegal pricing

    Small-scale miners demand dismissal of minerals commission CEO

    NCSSMAG clarifies position on IGP Task Force, denounces Galamsey

    Mahama arrives in Singapore for a State Visit to deepen Ghana–Singapore partnership

    University of Ghana to get 10,000-bed hostel after Singapore agreements

    • Health
    • Education
  • Election 2024
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Showbiz
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • World
  • Media
  • Manhyia
  • History
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • All
    • Education
    • Health
    • Manhyia
    Chaos erupts 40-day observation of late Akwatia MP

    Chaos erupts 40-day observation of late Akwatia MP

    Bawumia vows to empower youth with major investments in YEA

    Bawumia dismisses speculations on running mate selection

    Osei Yaw Adutwum files nomination to contest NPP flagbearership

    Osei Yaw Adutwum files nomination to contest NPP flagbearership

    GHS alarmed as Family Planning Acceptor Rate drops from 37% to 33.6%

    GHS alarmed as Family Planning Acceptor Rate drops from 37% to 33.6%

    Dr. Stephen Amoah Warns: Don’t Steal Our Concept as Ken’s Campaign Launches ‘National Worship and Praises’

    Dr. Stephen Amoah Warns: Don’t Steal Our Concept as Ken’s Campaign Launches ‘National Worship and Praises’

    Prophet Roja Reveals He Helped 34 MPs Win in 2024 Election, Only Three Have Thanked Him

    Prophet Roja Reveals He Helped 34 MPs Win in 2024 Election, Only Three Have Thanked Him

    GoldBod begins licensing of gold trading service providers, enforces new directives

    GoldBod suspends Evanex Gold Enterprise’s License over illegal pricing

    Small-scale miners demand dismissal of minerals commission CEO

    NCSSMAG clarifies position on IGP Task Force, denounces Galamsey

    Mahama arrives in Singapore for a State Visit to deepen Ghana–Singapore partnership

    University of Ghana to get 10,000-bed hostel after Singapore agreements

    • Health
    • Education
  • Election 2024
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Showbiz
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • World
  • Media
  • Manhyia
  • History
No Result
View All Result
Kumasi Mail
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Election 2024
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Showbiz
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • World
  • Media
  • Manhyia
  • History
Home News

Prof. Sampene criticizes gov’t for sending burnt officials’ DNA samples to South Africa, citing blow to Ghana’s forensic experts

Forensic expert condemns government’s lack of confidence in local pathology, urges investment in homegrown forensic capacity

Abdul-Haqq Yussif by Abdul-Haqq Yussif
August 9, 2025
in News
0
Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen Honors Eight Fallen Officials in Ashanti Region Helicopter Tragedy
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Prof. Paul Ossei Sampene, a respected Forensic Pathologist and Senior Lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has sharply criticized the Ghanaian government for sending the remains of eight public officials, who died in the recent Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crash in Adansi, Ashanti Region, to South Africa for DNA identification.

In an interview with Kumasi based Angel FM monitored by Kumasimail, Prof. Sampene expressed deep disappointment in the decision, highlighting the undermining of local forensic experts and pathology institutions.

He emphasized that the act not only disrespects the pathologists trained domestically but also reflects poorly on the government’s confidence in its medical and forensic capabilities.

“It casts a very negative light on our medical system and the Ministry of Health. The government may think they are disregarding us, but they are essentially disgracing themselves,” Prof. Sampene said.

Drawing from his own experience, he recounted the significant investment the Ghanaian government made when sponsoring his seven-year pathology training in Germany.

“Thanks to President Kuffour, they took me to Germany for seven years. Even in medicine, no specialty is studied for seven years; this does not usually happen, but for Pathology, I spent seven years. I spent seven good years in Germany learning Pathology to come back and assist, teach, and train people, and when we returned, we were able to help the system,” he added.

He cited the landmark Takoradi septic tank case, where local pathologists led the forensic investigations, which were instrumental in securing legal judgments and sanctions.

Prof. Sampene questioned what had changed since then to warrant bypassing local expertise for the current identification process.

Prof Sampene asked, “So, what has changed in this particular case? I don’t know what has changed; probably they are going to do something that we don’t know or do not have the capacity to do. Otherwise, if it is just identification as Hon. Muntaka said; that they are going to identify it there and need it urgently- I can assure you there is no urgency when dealing with human beings. Forensic processes require methodical, time, and calm to do such things.

“I don’t see how it will be done immediately once they go. Whether the next day but at least it will take one or two weeks before they return. Is this urgent? It’s not urgent. So, it is a disgrace; they have disgraced themselves and, in the same way, disgraced the nation, as if we don’t have the human capacity for that matter,” Prof Sampene firmly stated emphatically.

According to Prof. Sampene, Ghana possesses the necessary human resources and technology for DNA identification. He added that even if some specialized equipment is not available, the machines required for such forensic work are relatively small and manageable.

“Even if we don’t have that particular machine in Ghana, what kind of DNA machine is it? The machine used for DNA analysis is a small device, not a big one.”

He dispelled any suggestion that handling the deceased presents ethical or safety concerns, affirming that once a person is deceased, there is no harm in conducting necessary forensic tests.

Prof Sampene remarked, “There’s no fear anywhere. The moment a person is dead, he is the most peaceful, humble, and kind person you will find on earth. So, there is nothing to fear when dealing with such people.”

Again, Prof Sampene clarified misconceptions about the condition of the remains, stating that the victims were not reduced to ashes by the crash and that only small tissue samples, rather than entire bodies, are required for DNA analysis.

“The remains may be charred, but human bodies cannot be completely burnt to ashes without cremation procedures. We only need small samples for testing,” he explained.

Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu

Tags: DNA identificationForensicgovernmentPathologyProf. Paul Ossei Sampenetopstory
ShareTweetSend
Previous Post

Wontumi Defies Party Orders, Champions Dr. Bawumia’s 2026 Bid in Mampong

Next Post

Awentami Paul Afoko mourns Helicopter crash victims, Pays tribute to fallen officials and Soldiers

YOU MAY LIKE

Chaos erupts 40-day observation of late Akwatia MP
News

Chaos erupts 40-day observation of late Akwatia MP

Bawumia vows to empower youth with major investments in YEA
News

Bawumia dismisses speculations on running mate selection

Osei Yaw Adutwum files nomination to contest NPP flagbearership
News

Osei Yaw Adutwum files nomination to contest NPP flagbearership

GHS alarmed as Family Planning Acceptor Rate drops from 37% to 33.6%
Education

GHS alarmed as Family Planning Acceptor Rate drops from 37% to 33.6%

Dr. Stephen Amoah Warns: Don’t Steal Our Concept as Ken’s Campaign Launches ‘National Worship and Praises’
News

Dr. Stephen Amoah Warns: Don’t Steal Our Concept as Ken’s Campaign Launches ‘National Worship and Praises’

Next Post
Awentami Paul Afoko mourns Helicopter crash victims, Pays tribute to fallen officials and Soldiers

Awentami Paul Afoko mourns Helicopter crash victims, Pays tribute to fallen officials and Soldiers

ARCC offers cash reward for return of Helicopter crash wreckage

ARCC offers cash reward for return of Helicopter crash wreckage

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST NEWS

Chaos erupts 40-day observation of late Akwatia MP

Chaos erupts 40-day observation of late Akwatia MP

Bawumia vows to empower youth with major investments in YEA

Bawumia dismisses speculations on running mate selection

‎ECG pledges improved service delivery in Ashanti at RCC meeting

‎ECG pledges improved service delivery in Ashanti at RCC meeting

Osei Yaw Adutwum files nomination to contest NPP flagbearership

Osei Yaw Adutwum files nomination to contest NPP flagbearership

GHS alarmed as Family Planning Acceptor Rate drops from 37% to 33.6%

GHS alarmed as Family Planning Acceptor Rate drops from 37% to 33.6%

Dr. Stephen Amoah Warns: Don’t Steal Our Concept as Ken’s Campaign Launches ‘National Worship and Praises’

Dr. Stephen Amoah Warns: Don’t Steal Our Concept as Ken’s Campaign Launches ‘National Worship and Praises’

Prophet Roja Reveals He Helped 34 MPs Win in 2024 Election, Only Three Have Thanked Him

Prophet Roja Reveals He Helped 34 MPs Win in 2024 Election, Only Three Have Thanked Him

The Money, The Resignation, The Majority: Kennedy Agyapong’s Dark Play Behind NPP’s Parliamentary Win

The Money, The Resignation, The Majority: Kennedy Agyapong’s Dark Play Behind NPP’s Parliamentary Win

Former NPP official flees Ghana amid rising ethnic tensions

Five aspirants file nominations for NPP presidential primary

GoldBod begins licensing of gold trading service providers, enforces new directives

GoldBod suspends Evanex Gold Enterprise’s License over illegal pricing

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
52-Year-old man arrested in Nsawam for possessing suspected EC Biometric Device

52-Year-old man arrested in Nsawam for possessing suspected EC Biometric Device

Ghana Airforce Z-9 Helicopter Goes Missing en Route to Obuasi, Rescue Efforts Underway

Ghana Airforce Z-9 Helicopter Goes Missing en Route to Obuasi, Rescue Efforts Underway

Asokore Mamponhene Nana Boakye Ansah passes away

Asokore Mamponhene Nana Boakye Ansah passes away

EPA CEO calls for Immediate action to restore polluted water bodies in Ashanti region

EPA CEO calls for Immediate action to restore polluted water bodies in Ashanti region

Hello world!

1
NCA promises lower data prices by year-end

NCA promises lower data prices by year-end

1
COVID-19: Information Ministry justifies GHC150K spent on staff

COVID-19: Information Ministry justifies GHC150K spent on staff

1
EC to conduct mop-up registration August 1-3

EC to conduct mop-up registration August 1-3

1
Chaos erupts 40-day observation of late Akwatia MP

Chaos erupts 40-day observation of late Akwatia MP

Bawumia vows to empower youth with major investments in YEA

Bawumia dismisses speculations on running mate selection

‎ECG pledges improved service delivery in Ashanti at RCC meeting

‎ECG pledges improved service delivery in Ashanti at RCC meeting

Osei Yaw Adutwum files nomination to contest NPP flagbearership

Osei Yaw Adutwum files nomination to contest NPP flagbearership

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Kumasi Mail

About US

Advertise With US

Submit Station

© 2024 KumasiMail.com