By Prince Acquah
Cape Coast, June 14, GNA – The University of Cape Coast (UCC) Police has launched investigations into the death of a Level 200 Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) student whose body was discovered at Hutchland Beach near Duakor in Cape Coast.
The deceased, identified as 20-year-old Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, was found washed ashore on Friday, June 12, 2026, prompting an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to the roommate of the deceased, Miss Avinu was last seen at about 19:00 hours two days before her body was discovered.
On that day she reportedly received a phone call, dressed casually and left the room.
A press release issued by the University’s Directorate of Public Affairs and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said residents of the Duakor Community, who first spotted the body, reported the incident to the Police at about 0600 hours on Friday.
According to ASP Abdul Abubakar, UCC District Police Commander, officers proceeded to the scene upon receiving the report and conducted preliminary examinations, which revealed no visible signs of physical assault or injury on the body.
The remains were subsequently conveyed to the mortuary of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) for preservation, formal identification and further investigations.
The Police later received information suggesting that the deceased was a student of UCC, leading to the involvement of the Dean of Students’ Affairs in the identification process and related administrative procedures.
The statement noted that investigations gained further momentum when the deceased’s roommate, who lived with her at a private hostel in Amamoma, reported to the Police Station with a photograph that helped confirm her identity.
The roommate indicated that when Miss Avinu failed to return to the room that night, concerns grew among colleagues, prompting friends and course mates to trace her whereabouts the following day without success.
The release said family members of the deceased visited the Police Station on Saturday, June 13, and were escorted to the mortuary, where they formally identified the body.
Consistent with initial findings, it was observed at the mortuary that there were no physical injuries on the body.
ASP Abubakar said the Police would obtain a coroner’s form on Monday, June 15, to facilitate a post-mortem examination aimed at establishing the exact cause of death and providing further clarity on the case.
Meanwhile, the Regional Police Command has assured the public that a thorough investigation was underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
They have therefore urged the public to refrain from sharing or publishing unverified information about the incident, warning that such actions could hinder investigations and cause distress to the bereaved family, students and the University community.
The Inspector General of Police, has also deployed investigators to Cape Coast to assist in unravelling the mystery behind the young student’s death.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Prince Acquah
E-mail: [email protected]