President of the Ghana Academy of Forensics Services (GAFS), Pet-Paul Wepeba, has renewed calls for the establishment of a national forensic policy, arguing that it is essential for advancing the country’s investigative and disaster response capabilities.
Wepeba said such a policy would pave the way for the creation of a national DNA database to aid in identifying missing persons and solving criminal cases.
“With a national forensic policy, we could develop a national DNA database for missing persons and criminal investigations,” he said on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday, 8 August,
“But it must be backed by legislation to protect personal data and prevent misuse of biological material. You can’t just start a process like that without a clear policy. DNA can tell every story about you.”
Wepeba stressed that with the right infrastructure and systems, Ghana could become a forensic hub for neighbouring countries while enhancing its own capabilities.
“Forensic science is vital for development—it brings together health, law enforcement, and human rights,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of preserving dignity for the deceased, noting that proper structures must be in place for disaster response and evidence preservation.
“The fact that someone has passed doesn’t mean we should treat them without respect. We need to give them that dignity. You never know whose turn it will be next. We must put the right structures in place for the sake of us all.”
In a historical reflection, Wepeba revealed that Ghana had early exposure to modern forensic methods.
“The first time DNA was used for kinship verification was in 1985, and it involved a Ghanaian,” he noted. “So what have we waited for until now?”
