Academic Community in Mourning: University of Ghana Student Ellen Elikem and Dr. Kojo Opoku Aidoo Pass On

The academic community and residents of the Greater Accra Region are mourning the recent transitions of two notable individuals: Ellen Boakye Elikem, a final-year student at the University of Ghana, and Dr. Kojo Opoku Aidoo. These separate but deeply felt losses have prompted reflections on the fragility of life and the strength of community support during times of grief. The news of these deaths has resonated across social media and local neighborhoods, bringing together colleagues, students, and family members in shared sorrow.

Ellen Boakye Elikem, a Level 400 student at the University of Ghana, reportedly passed away on April 28, 2026, following a brief illness. Her untimely death occurred at a critical juncture in her academic career, as she was in the midst of preparations for her final examinations. The news of her passing was shared by student media outlets, triggering an outpouring of grief across the campus. In a touching tribute, friends and fellow students gathered at the Evandy Hostel for a candlelight vigil, honoring her memory and the significant impact she made during her four years at the university.

Simultaneously, funeral arrangements have been finalized for Dr. Kojo Opoku Aidoo, whose passing has touched many within the Ayanfuri and Madina communities. Services are scheduled to take place over the weekend of May 2 and May 3, 2026, at the Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Madina. The first day’s proceedings will include a morning service from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM, followed by a private burial ceremony. On Sunday, May 3, a follow-up service will commence at 9:00 AM, after which mourners will proceed to the family residence at Oyibi for the final rites.

These events highlight the shared sense of loss currently felt within the Ghanaian educational and religious spheres. While the University of Ghana community grapples with the sudden loss of a promising young scholar, the family and associates of Dr. Aidoo prepare for a final farewell that celebrates a life of service. Both instances serve as a poignant reminder of the collective empathy that characterizes Ghanaian society, as communities come together to support the bereaved and honor those who have passed during these difficult times.