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Investigative science essential for guaranteeing human dignity and rights

Forensic science fortification in Ghana urged by Senior Lecturer at University for Development Studies (UDS), Isaac Oboakoh. He advocates that prioritizing forensic science would bolster peace and justice institutions, thereby securing human rights and [...]

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University educator from the Faculty of Bioscience at University for Development Studies (UDS),...
University educator from the Faculty of Bioscience at University for Development Studies (UDS), Isaac Oboakoh, urges the government to bolster forensic science institutions and education within the nation. He maintains that augmenting the focus on forensic science would fortify peace and justice institutions in safeguarding human rights, ultimately safeguarding...[continuation of the statement].

Investigative science essential for guaranteeing human dignity and rights

Hey there! If you're keen on cracking some criminal cases and ensuring justice for all, buckle up! Senior Lecturer, Isaac Oboakoh, at the University for Development Studies (UDS), is urging the Ghanaian government to beef up forensic science institutions. Why? You ask? This move will not only strengthen peace and justice institutions but also protect human rights, leading to a safer and more secure nation.

In his keynote address, "The Scope of Forensic Science Practice in Ghana," at a seminar on the Nyankpala campus, he stated that fortifying the system requires several actions. First and foremost, institutes should have the authority to issue accreditations and certificates, regulating the ethics of the profession. Moreover, they should provide inputs for crime-fighting, among other things.

According to Oboakoh, bolstering citizens' forensic science knowledge and developing country institutions would result in effective development, accountability, and transparency—essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) - goal 16. This goal seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Now, what's the big deal about this SDG 16, you wonder? Well, by focusing on forensic science, Ghana can reap numerous benefits aligned with SDG 16. Here's a lowdown on the perks:

Let's Talk Justice and Evidence-Based Policing

With beefed-up forensic science capabilities, Ghana can ensure robust, scientific evidence is at the core of criminal investigations. This helps prevent wrongful convictions and increases public trust in justice institutions. Forensic science aids in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of critical evidence such as DNA, digital footprints, and chemical traces—key components in solving crimes and guaranteeing fair trials.

Preventing Conflict and Promoting Peace

Effective forensic science deters crime by increasing the likelihood that offenders will be nabbed and penalized. By lowering crime rates and reducing impunity, it contributes to societal peace and security. Moreover, forensic techniques help resolve disputes, particularly in cases of mass violence or politically motivated crimes, by offering irrefutable evidence that can help halt revenge cycles and unrest.

Supporting Strong Institutions

Forensic science strengthens the capacities of law enforcement and justice institutions. It equips them with training, advanced analytical tools, and updated laboratory infrastructure, enabling them to meet international standards and improve their response to domestic and transnational crime. The UNODC has highlighted the importance of strengthening forensic capacity in West Africa to combat terrorism and organized crime.

Now that we've got you hooked, let's see how this ties in with Ghana's policy priorities. The government has shown commitment to moving forward with initiatives that advocate for inclusive justice and youth empowerment. Ghana's participation in global crime prevention forums and its focus on mainstreaming the Sustainable Development Goals into national policy indicate a readiness to invest in evidence-based approaches like forensic science. Forensic science can also be integrated with other national programs, such as digital skills training for youth, to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting advanced justice systems.

Want more details? Check out this nifty summary table:

| Benefit Area | How Forensic Science Supports It ||-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|| Justice & Fair Trials | Provides reliable evidence for investigations[5] || Institutional Integrity | Enables independent, unbiased analysis[5] || Crime Prevention & Peace | Deters crime and resolves disputes[4] || Institutional Capacity | Strengthens labs and law enforcement[4][5] || Alignment with SDG 16 | Promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions |

Ghana, are you ready to kick crime to the curb? Let's work together—government agencies, policymakers, law enforcement, educational institutions, forensic science professionals, media, and other stakeholders—to create an environment that supports the development and use of forensic science. This alliance will empower students with in-depth forensic investigations knowledge, helping them tackle both academic and social issues.

So, let's get this ball rolling! Include forensics in the educational curriculum to make a noticeable impact on crime detection, investigation, and justice systems in Ghana. After all, as Oboakoh rightly stated, "Forensic science is science for justice. When a crime happens, the crime must be resolved and it must be resolved urgently. We need a comprehensive solution to crime." 💪🚀

Sources:1. Text_analytics.com2. The SDG Hub3. UNODC4. ENFSI5. NYU School of Professional Studies

  1. The development of forensic science can support the policy priority of justice and fair trials by providing reliable evidence for investigations.
  2. Moreover, a strong focus on forensic science can align with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions.
  3. Byintegrating forensic science into the educational curriculum, students can gain in-depth knowledge about forensic investigations, empowering them to tackle both academic and social issues.
  4. The government's commitment to initiatives that advocate for inclusive justice and youth empowerment, combined with the focus on mainstreaming the Sustainable Development Goals into national policy, indicates a readiness to invest in evidence-based approaches like forensic science.

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