The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ms. Innocentia Avinu, a Level 200 student of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), whose body was reportedly found at a beach in Cape Coast.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Education, the Minister described the incident as tragic and directed the management of the University of Cape Coast to work closely with the Ghana Police Service to investigate the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
“The Ministry of Education has received with deep sadness reports of the death of Ms. Innocentia Avinu, a Level 200 student at the University of Cape Coast, at a beach in Cape Coast,” the statement said.
According to the Ministry, the Education Minister has instructed university authorities to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
“Honourable Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the authorities of the University of Cape Coast to collaborate closely with the Ghana Police Service to commence a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death,” the statement added.
The Ministry also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, her friends, and the wider University of Cape Coast community.
“The Ministry extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and the University community, and urges the public to allow the investigative process to proceed unhindered,” the statement noted.
The circumstances leading to Ms. Avinu’s death remain unclear, and authorities are expected to provide further details as investigations progress.
The statement was signed by Hashmin Mohammed, Press Secretary to the Minister for Education.
Police discovered the body of Innocentia Avinu, on a Cape Coast beach on June 12.
Avinu was last seen on June 11, 2026, at the Ayensu Plaza Hostel on the UCC campus, dressed in a black dress. When she failed to return, family members raised the alarm and launched a public appeal for information on her whereabouts.
The search ended in tragedy when a body was found washed ashore near Hutchland Beach Resort in Cape Coast.
The UCC District Police Command received a report at approximately 3:15 a.m. on June 12 that an unidentified female body had been discovered on the beach. Officers dispatched to the scene found the body lying face down with blood from the nose.
A preliminary examination revealed no visible marks of assault or external injuries.
