Forensic medical scientist and security intelligence researcher, Lawrence Kofi Acheampong, has stressed the need for a multidisciplinary approach in investigating the August 6 military helicopter crash, cautioning that the probe must go beyond aviation mechanics.
His remarks come after the government announced plans to seek international collaboration in the investigations — a decision that has raised concerns among sections of the public, with some questioning whether local forensic experts have been overlooked despite possessing the expertise to lead such inquiries.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, August 16, Mr. Acheampong explained that a thorough investigation must explore not only aviation-related causes but also human and psychological factors, as well as issues of cybersecurity.
“It is a multifaceted area. Even some aspects of forensics that focus on cybersecurity will also come in,” he noted.
“Because the flight was operating using some level of technological advancement, which the digital forensic expert can look at. Some people claimed there were calls made while the victims were flying. So, the digital forensics can also decode the mobile conversation that went on in the plane. As it is a multidisciplinary approach, we deal with it accordingly, and it is a robust system we need to take charge of.”
He emphasised that adopting such a holistic model would strengthen the credibility of the investigation, provide clarity on the true causes of the tragedy, and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The victims of the August 6 helicopter crash included Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, Samuel Aboagye, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah at the Military Cemetery at Tse Addo, were buried on August 15, after a state funeral service.
The other two are Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, who were buried on August 10 under Islamic rites.
