By Nadia Ntiamoah
The death of a 20-year-old University of Cape Coast (UCC) student whose body was discovered along the Hutchland Beach area near Duakor in Cape Coast has triggered an intensive police investigation, with Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno deploying a special team of experienced investigators and intelligence officers to assist in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The deceased, identified as Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, a Level 200 Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management) student, was found dead after reportedly going missing for two days, sparking concern among students, family members and the wider university community.
The development has drawn national attention as investigators attempt to determine what led to the young student’s death after preliminary examinations revealed no visible signs of physical injury on her body.
According to information released by both the Ghana Police Service and the University of Cape Coast, the incident began on Friday, June 12, 2026, when residents of the Duakor community reported the discovery of a body that had been washed ashore along the Hutchland Beach area.
The report was received by police officers at approximately 6:00 a.m., prompting officers from the UCC District Police Command to proceed immediately to the scene to verify the information.
Upon arrival, investigators conducted an initial examination of the body and observed no obvious physical injuries or signs of violence.
The remains were subsequently conveyed to the mortuary of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital pending formal identification and further investigations.
As police commenced inquiries into the incident, information later emerged suggesting that the deceased might be a student of the University of Cape Coast.
This development prompted investigators to contact the Dean of Students’ Affairs to assist in identifying the victim and coordinating communication with the university community.
The investigation took a significant turn when the deceased’s roommate, with whom she shared accommodation at a private hostel in Amamoma, reported to the police station with a photograph believed to be that of the missing student.
The photograph reportedly assisted investigators in confirming the identity of the deceased as Innocentia Atsufui Avinu.
According to the roommate’s account, Innocentia was last seen at about 7:00 p.m. two days before her body was discovered.
She reportedly received a telephone call, dressed casually and left the hostel room.
The roommate informed investigators that concerns began to grow when Innocentia failed to return later that night.
Friends, course mates and colleagues subsequently launched efforts to trace her whereabouts throughout the following day, but all attempts to locate her proved unsuccessful.
The search ended tragically when investigators linked the missing student to the body recovered at the beach.
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, members of the deceased’s family visited the police station and were later escorted to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital mortuary, where they formally identified the body.
The family confirmed that the deceased was indeed Innocentia Atsufui Avinu.
According to police officials, observations made during the identification process were consistent with earlier examinations, as no visible physical injuries were found on the body.
Following the identification, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, ordered the deployment of a special investigative team to the Central Region to strengthen ongoing investigations.
The team comprises experienced investigators and intelligence officers tasked with supporting local police in establishing the exact circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
The Regional Crime Scene Team has also processed the area where the body was discovered as part of efforts to gather forensic evidence that may assist the investigation.
Police officials say all available leads are being pursued while investigators work to reconstruct the deceased’s final movements before her disappearance.
With no obvious signs of assault detected, investigators are now placing significant emphasis on scientific and forensic analysis to establish the cause of death.
To facilitate that process, police are expected to secure a coroner’s form from the court on Monday, June 15, 2026, paving the way for a post-mortem examination.
The autopsy is expected to determine the exact cause of death and provide critical answers to investigators, family members and the university community.
The death has cast a shadow over the University of Cape Coast, one of the leading public universities, known for producing graduates across various disciplines and attracting students from across the country and beyond.
Management of the university has expressed deep concern over the incident and indicated that support measures are being provided to the deceased student’s family, roommate, close friends, course mates and other affected students.
The institution has also pledged its full cooperation with law enforcement authorities throughout the investigation.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Kwabena Antwi-Konadu, the university assured the public that authorities are working closely with the police to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The university also urged students and members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine investigations or cause further distress to the bereaved family.
Similarly, the Ghana Police Service has appealed to the public to refrain from circulating rumours or false narratives about the case.
Police officials stressed that speculation could hamper investigative efforts and unnecessarily heighten anxiety among students, relatives and members of the public.
The Service has assured the family of Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, the University of Cape Coast community and the nation that every available resource is being deployed to uncover the truth.
“The Service remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation and will get to the bottom of the matter,” the police said.
