TY - JOUR
T1 - Forensic Science in Ghana
T2 - A review
AU - Amankwaa, Aaron O.
AU - Nsiah Amoako, Emmanuel
AU - Mensah Bonsu, Dan Osei
AU - Banyeh, M.
N1 - Funding Information: This paper, by highlighting some policy issues of forensic science in Ghana, concomitantly, identifies some research gaps for forensic science. For instance, for issues of underutilisation of forensic science in criminal investigations, challenges could be exacerbated by lack of research which disseminates the value of forensic science. As a result, basic research which shadows crime levels and patterns, illuminates effect on national security, identifies investigative needs of the police and areas where forensic science could be beneficial, should boost further desirability for forensic science practice within the legal system. Addressing these research gaps should also inform and justify the need for spending on forensic science in Ghana. Currently, research in Ghana, generally, are stifled by lack of funding. A new educational policy proposes an increase in funding for research in public tertiary institutions in Ghana from 0.3% of GDP to 1% [ 86 ]. The limited national research funding may proffer some difficulty in promoting forensic science research. This may be addressed through national and international collaborations among relevant research institutions, law enforcement agencies, forensic science providers and governmental and non-governmental funding agencies. A specific Forensic Science Research Institute (FSRI) could be established to coordinate, oversee and disseminate all forensic research activities and outputs. The FSRI could liaise with relevant agencies such as the FSL and Universities to develop and carry out projects that address gaps in practice. An advantage of this approach is the prevention of duplicated research by different research institutions. Further, the FSRI will serve as a unified source of forensic research information in Ghana. Specific funding grants could be established under the FSRI in collaboration with agencies such as the Research and Grant Institute of Ghana, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research to support such research projects.
PY - 2019
Y1 - 2019
N2 - The use of forensic science continues to grow across the world. In Ghana, major advancements took off in 2011, including the introduction of modern DNA profiling and the establishment of an automated fingerprint identification system. These developments have led to some positive impacts on the delivery of justice, including the exoneration of a wrongly incarcerated individual. However, a review of the policy-related aspects of forensic science shows gaps in legislation, governance, service provision, quality assurance and accreditation, education and research. An important recommendation to improve forensic science in Ghana is the creation of a “national policy strategy”, a blueprint informed by relevant stakeholders, best practice from other countries and the status of the field. Resolutions to the policy issues identified in this review will ensure a more robust application of forensic science in delivering safe justice and enhancing public security.
AB - The use of forensic science continues to grow across the world. In Ghana, major advancements took off in 2011, including the introduction of modern DNA profiling and the establishment of an automated fingerprint identification system. These developments have led to some positive impacts on the delivery of justice, including the exoneration of a wrongly incarcerated individual. However, a review of the policy-related aspects of forensic science shows gaps in legislation, governance, service provision, quality assurance and accreditation, education and research. An important recommendation to improve forensic science in Ghana is the creation of a “national policy strategy”, a blueprint informed by relevant stakeholders, best practice from other countries and the status of the field. Resolutions to the policy issues identified in this review will ensure a more robust application of forensic science in delivering safe justice and enhancing public security.
KW - Forensic science
KW - Policy
KW - Legislation
KW - Governance
KW - Impact
KW - Education
KW - Ghana
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85094624224&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2019.07.008
DO - 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2019.07.008
M3 - Review article
SN - 2589-871X
VL - 1
SP - 151
EP - 160
JO - Forensic Science International: Synergy
JF - Forensic Science International: Synergy
ER -
