The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed authorities at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to collaborate with the Ghana Police Service to conduct a full investigation into the death of a Level 200 student whose body was found on a beach near Cape Coast after she had been reported missing.
The student, identified by university authorities as Innocentia Avinu, a Level 200 Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) student, was found dead at the Hutchland Beach area in Cape Coast, triggering widespread concern among students, family members and the public.
In a statement issued on June 14, the Ministry of Education expressed sadness over the incident and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
“The Honourable Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, says the authorities of the University of Cape Coast should collaborate closely with the Ghana Police Service to commence a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.”
The Ministry also extended condolences to the bereaved family, friends and the university community, while urging the public to allow investigations to proceed without interference.
The tragic incident has reignited concerns about student safety and security on university campuses and surrounding communities, with many students calling for enhanced protection measures and quicker response systems for missing persons cases.
UCC Confirms Ongoing Investigations
According to a press release issued by the University of Cape Coast on June 14, police investigations began after residents of the Duakor community reported discovering a body washed ashore on the beach at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12.
The body was retrieved and preliminary examinations were conducted at the scene before it was transferred to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital mortuary for preservation and further investigations.
University authorities said police were initially unable to identify the deceased until information received later suggested the victim was a UCC student. The Dean of Students’ Affairs was subsequently notified and assisted with the identification process.
The university explained that the identification was later confirmed through the deceased student’s roommate, who reported to the police station with a photograph and additional information. According to the roommate’s account, Ms. Avinu had left her hostel room around 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, after receiving a phone call.
The roommate reportedly told investigators that the student dressed casually before leaving and did not return. Concerned friends and colleagues subsequently attempted to contact her and searched for her whereabouts, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
The family later became involved in the search after she could not be located. On Saturday, June 13, family members visited the police station and formally identified the body.
The University of Cape Coast stated that observations made during the initial examination and at the mortuary were consistent and that investigators had not reported visible physical injuries on the body at that stage of the inquiry.
“In light of these developments, ASP Abdul Abubakar indicated that the Police will, on Monday, June 15, obtain a coroner’s form from the court to facilitate a post-mortem examination.”
Autopsy to Confirm Cause of Death
An autopsy would help pathologists determine the exact cause of death and provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the case. The university have also cautioned the public against circulating unverified information regarding the incident. The Police has assured the public that investigations are ongoing.
The general public is advised to desist from sharing or publicising false information about the incident, as such actions may impede ongoing investigations and cause unnecessary distress to the bereaved family, course mates, management and the university community,
The caution comes amid widespread social media speculation surrounding the student’s disappearance and death. While various claims have circulated online regarding the circumstances of the case, neither the Ghana Police Service, the Ministry of Education nor the University of Cape Coast has confirmed those allegations.
Authorities have maintained that investigations remain active and that conclusions should await official findings from the post-mortem examination and police inquiries.
The University of Cape Coast said it has been in constant communication with the family and has initiated support measures for affected students, including the deceased’s roommate, classmates and friends.
“The University Management has been duly informed, and appropriate support measures are being extended to the family, the affected roommate, colleague students and course mates during this difficult period.”
A Mourning Community
The death has sent shockwaves through the UCC community, where students gathered over the weekend to mourn the loss of a colleague described by peers as quiet and focused on her studies.
Student leaders have also appealed for calm and urged colleagues to cooperate with investigators while allowing the family the space and privacy needed to grieve.
As police prepare for the post-mortem examination and continue gathering evidence, many questions remain unanswered. For now, a grieving family, a shaken university community and a concerned nation await the outcome of investigations that may finally reveal what happened during the final hours of a young student whose life ended far too soon.