The family of the late Samuel Aboagye, a Deputy Director at the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and former National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, has reportedly initiated legal proceedings against his U.S.-based wife, Abigail Salami, over a DNA test dispute connected to the identification of crash victims from the August 6 helicopter disaster.

In a viral video circulating on social media, a man who identifies himself as the elder brother of the deceased, claimed that the legal tussle—Aboagye family versus Abigail Salami—centres on the family’s attempt to obtain DNA samples from Abigail and her daughter.

The samples, he said, were required by government authorities to help identify the remains of victims of the fatal crash.

Samuel Aboagye was among eight individuals who perished when a Z-9 military helicopter carrying five government officials and three Air Force officers crashed in the Sikaman Forest on its way to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining mission.

The victims’ remains were reportedly burned beyond recognition, necessitating DNA analysis to confirm identities.

The investigative committee released its final report on November 11.

According to the elder brother the family reached out to Abigail in the United States to bring her daughter for testing.

“After the helicopter crash, every family was asked to present immediate relatives for DNA testing.

We contacted Abigail and agreed on a date, but when the time came, she could not be reached,” he said

He added that even after the funeral, repeated attempts to conduct the test failed, as Abigail allegedly refused to cooperate and later returned to the United States with her daughter.

The family has since filed an application at the Obuasi District Court seeking a court order compelling her to provide the child’s DNA sample.

In response, Abigail Salami has reportedly filed a motion to dismiss the family’s application, arguing that the request is unwarranted.

The case has been adjourned to December 23, 2025, for further hearing.

The ongoing legal dispute adds another layer of complexity to the aftermath of the tragic crash, which also claimed the lives of high-profile government officials, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

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