Education Minister and UCC Launch Full Investigation into Tragic Death of Level 200 Student Innocentia Avinu

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed a comprehensive investigation into the tragic death of Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, a Level 200 student at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). Her body was discovered at Hutchland Beach in Cape Coast, sparking both internal university inquiries and a criminal investigation by the Ghana Police Service. The Ministry has called for full cooperation between the university authorities and law enforcement to uncover the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, while extending deep condolences to the bereaved family and the university community. According to preliminary reports and statements from university officials, Ms. Avinu was last seen on the evening of June 10, 2026. Her roommate indicated that she left their residence in casual attire shortly after receiving a phone call. She was reported missing the following day, leading to a search that ended with the grim discovery near the Hutchland Beach Resort. The police identified her as a student and have since scheduled a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death. In response to the tragedy, the UCC Directorate of Public Affairs, led by Acting Director Dr. Kwabena Antwi-Konadu, announced that the university has initiated an internal probe to complement police efforts. Beyond the investigation, the university is prioritizing the mental health of its student body by providing dedicated counseling services to the deceased student's roommate and others deeply affected by the loss. The university is working closely with local authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent process while emphasizing the importance of supporting the family. Both the Ministry of Education and university management have issued stern warnings against the circulation of unverified information or rumors on social media, which could jeopardize the integrity of the investigation or cause additional distress to the family. As the Ghana Police Service continues its criminal inquiry, the public is urged to remain calm and allow the professional investigative process to reach its conclusion. Further updates are expected once the results of the post-mortem and preliminary police findings are made available.