BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The investigation into the tragic death of a University of Cape Coast (UCC) student Innocentia Atsufui Avinu has taken a significant turn following the arrest of a 39-year-old man believed to be the last person seen with the victim before her lifeless body was discovered on a beach in Cape Coast.
The suspect, identified by police as Michael Mensah, was arrested on Monday evening at the Pedu Lorry Station in Cape Coast during what authorities described as an intelligence-led operation.
His arrest comes days after the body of 21-year-old Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, a Level 200 student of the University, was found dead under mysterious circumstances along the Hutchland Beach area in Cape Coast.
The case, which has shocked the university community and sparked widespread public concern, is now being treated as a murder investigation as police intensify efforts to establish exactly what happened during the student’s final hours.
According to information released by investigators, preliminary findings indicate that Innocentia was picked up by the suspect on June 11, 2026, from the Ayensu Plaza area within the university’s hostel enclave.
Police believe the suspect subsequently transported the student to Hutchland Beach, where she was reportedly last seen alive before her body was later discovered.
The circumstances surrounding what occurred at the beach remain unclear, and investigators have not yet disclosed details regarding the suspected cause of death or possible motive behind the killing.
The latest development follows several days of investigations that began after residents of the Duakor community reported the discovery of a female body washed ashore along the beach on the morning of June 12.
Police officers who responded to the scene conveyed the body to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Mortuary while efforts were initiated to establish the victim’s identity.
The deceased was later identified as Innocentia Atsufui Avinu after family members, university authorities and investigators conducted a formal identification process.
Initial examinations reportedly revealed no obvious signs of physical injury on the body, prompting authorities to order a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
As part of their inquiries, investigators interviewed friends, colleagues and relatives of the deceased in an effort to reconstruct her movements before she disappeared.
One of the most crucial breakthroughs reportedly came from the victim’s roommate, who informed police that Innocentia had told her she was leaving their residence to meet an acquaintance on the day she vanished.
According to the roommate, the student left the hostel dressed casually and appeared to be going about a normal social engagement.
However, concern began to grow when she failed to return later that evening.
Friends and relatives subsequently launched efforts to contact and locate her, but their attempts proved unsuccessful.
The search for the missing student ended tragically when investigators linked her disappearance to the body recovered from Hutchland Beach.
Police say intelligence gathered during the course of the investigation eventually led officers to Michael Mensah, resulting in his arrest at the busy Pedu transport terminal.
Authorities describe the suspect as a man who claims to be a teacher and also works as a driver.
He remains in police custody and is currently assisting investigators with their inquiries.
The Ghana Police Service has not disclosed whether the suspect and the deceased had any prior relationship, nor has it revealed whether any evidence linking him directly to the alleged crime has been recovered.
Investigators have also remained tight-lipped regarding potential motives as they continue to gather evidence and await forensic findings.
The murder has attracted considerable public attention, particularly within the University of Cape Coast community, where students and staff have expressed concern over security and student safety.
The case has reignited discussions about the risks facing students living off-campus and the need for enhanced security measures around university communities.
Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, deployed a special team of experienced investigators and intelligence officers to the Central Region to support local police in the investigation.
The Regional Crime Scene Team has also processed relevant locations connected to the case as part of efforts to gather forensic and evidential material.
Police officials say all available leads are being pursued and that no effort will be spared in uncovering the truth behind the student’s death.
The body of Innocentia Atsufui Avinu remains at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Mortuary pending the completion of autopsy procedures and other forensic examinations that investigators believe will provide critical answers.
