University of Cape Coast Launches Inquiry into Student's Mysterious Death

Key Takeaways

The University of Cape Coast has commenced an internal inquiry into the death of student Innocentia Atsufui Avinu.
The university is collaborating with the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Preliminary findings indicate that Ms. Avinu was last seen on the evening of Wednesday, June 10, and her body was discovered at Hutchland Beach on Friday.
The university is providing counselling and psychological support services to affected students.

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has begun an internal inquiry into the death of one of its students, Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, whose body was found at Hutchland Beach in Cape Coast on Friday.

The university confirmed that the deceased was a Level 200 student after being notified by the police following the discovery of her body.

Background & Context

The University of Cape Coast is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Ghana, with a student body of over 24,000. The university has a strong reputation for academic excellence and research.

However, the university has also faced challenges related to student safety and security in the past. In 2019, a student was stabbed to death in a campus hostel, leading to calls for improved security measures.

In 2020, the university implemented a number of measures to improve student safety, including the establishment of a 24-hour emergency response team and the installation of CCTV cameras on campus.

Investigation and Response

The university said it is collaborating closely with the UCC District Police Command as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Ms. Avinu's death.

The Office of the Dean of Students' Affairs has taken the lead in coordinating the institution's response and is assisting law enforcement officers with identification processes and the gathering of relevant information.

The university has also facilitated communication between investigators and the bereaved family while providing the necessary support throughout the process.

Support for Affected Students

The university disclosed that counselling and psychological support services have been made available to the deceased's roommate, classmates, course mates, and other students affected by the tragic incident.

The university has also appealed to the public to refrain from circulating unverified information about the case, cautioning that speculation could undermine ongoing investigations and cause additional distress to the family and the university community.