By: Ashiadey Dotse
The President of the Ghana Academy of Forensic Sciences, Dr. Pet-Paul Wepeba, has stressed the urgent need for nationwide public education on how people respond to accident scenes, saying untrained interference can cause more harm than good.
Speaking on ‘GTV’s Breakfast Show’ on Wednesday August 13, 2025 during a discussion on last week’s helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of eight gallant Ghanaians, Dr. Wepeba explained that poorly managed accident scenes can have legal, safety, and investigative consequences. He noted that even when the cause of death appears obvious such as a road traffic accident autopsies are still necessary for insurance purposes and to establish the exact cause.
He warned that entering crash sites without training could expose people to dangers such as secondary explosions, toxic gases, and falling debris. “In some cases, people try to collect fuel from overturned vehicles or get too close to wreckage without protective equipment. This is a recipe for disaster,” he said.
Dr. Wepeba also raised concerns about crime scene contamination in Ghana, where members of the public often disturb evidence before the arrival of trained authorities. Such interference, he explained, complicates investigations and can delay justice.
He indicated that pieces of the wreckage which were picked by individuals from their original position could potentially result in removing vital evidence that could help determine whether the aircraft exploded mid-air or on impact. “If you took anything from the crash site, return it. It could help tell the story,” he urged.
The forensic expert called for training in communities to ensure that designated leaders can respond appropriately during accidents and disasters. “We need a national conversation on what the public should and should not do in such situations,” Dr. Wepeba said.
He added that lessons must be learned from past incidents to improve future emergency responses.
