Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has led a fact-finding mission to Latvia, following the death of an 18-year old Ghanaian student.
Ahyia Nana Agyei Oduro, tragically lost his life in June 2025, while studying in Riga Technical University (RTU) for a brief period, approximately six months.
The incident however did not occur at the campus of the university. Authorities in Latvia had suggested that Nana Agyei died by suicide after falling from the sixth-floor apartment.
His family back home suspects a foul play due to events that unfolded before his bizarre death in the northern European country.
It late last year besieged the government, specifically the Minister, to look into the matter and seek justice for their beloved member.
Ablakwa on his part assured them of the government’s commitment and dedication to travel to Latvia and demand investigation into the matter.
True to his promise, the minister leading a delegation of six including a Ghanaian pathologist and senior officials of the ministry, has arrived in Latvia and met with his counterpart Baiba Braže for talks.
Updating Ghanaians on his social media pages, the minister explained that due to circumstances beyond their country, two representatives of the family could not join them in the trip.
The good news however is that, the family has finally been granted their visas and are expected to join them.
He took time to clarify allegations making the rounds that, there have been extortion and fake issuance of visa.
He said no such issue has occurred adding that, the ministry is bearing all the cost of the trips both for the family and his delegation.
Below is his full statement
I have arrived in Latvia for a two-day official visit.
I thank Foreign Minister of Latvia, Her Excellency Baiba Braže for the warm reception and for the productive bilateral engagements earlier today.
As I promised Ghanaians, the main reason for requesting to pay this official visit is the distressing and unclear circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Ghanaian student Nana Agyei Ahyia.
The Latvian Foreign Minister has conveyed firm assurances to me that her government will fully cooperate with Ghana in the pursuit of truth and justice.
I am leading a 6-member delegation made up of senior directors from the Foreign Ministry, a forensic expert and a pathologist.
Unfortunately, due to visa processing delays, the two members of Nana Agyei’s family which I invited to join my delegation could not travel with us on Saturday night. I have been informed that their visas were issued today and therefore are scheduled to travel tonight so they can join us tomorrow morning.
It is worth clarifying that all family members and experts accompanying me on this delegation are fully funded by the ministry.
There has been no case of extortion or the issuance of fake tickets as has been alleged without any evidentiary basis whatsoever.
My delegation is expected to continue with our engagements tomorrow with confirmed meetings with the ministries of the Interior, Education and investigators on the case.
Ghana’s Foreign Ministry shall remain focused and resolute in safeguarding the welfare and dignity of all Ghanaians.
For God and Country 🇬🇭 🙏🏾
By Gifty Boateng