University of Cape Coast Student Found Dead at Hutchland Beach - Investigations Underway

Cape Coast, Sunday, June 14 2026: The University of Cape Coast (UCC) Police has confirmed the recovery of the body of a Level 200 Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) student at the Hutchland Beach area, near Duakor, in Cape Coast. The incident has prompted an ongoing investigation as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the student's death.

According to the UCC District Police Commander, ASP Abdul Abubakar, the Police received a report at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12 2026, from residents of the Duakor Community indicating that a body had been washed ashore along the beach. Upon receipt of the information, the Police promptly proceeded to the scene to verify the report.

Following preliminary examination at the scene, the police observed no visible signs of physical injury. The body was subsequently conveyed to the mortuary at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) pending formal identification and further investigations.

As part of ongoing investigations, the Police received information later that evening suggesting that the deceased was a student of UCC. In response, the Dean of Students' Affairs was notified to assist with the identification process and related administrative procedures.

This line of inquiry was subsequently reinforced when the deceased's roommate, with whom she resided in a private hostel at Amamoma, a nearby community to the University of Cape Coast, reported to the Police Station with a photograph, which aided in confirming the identity as Innocentia Atsufui Avinu. The roommate recounted that the deceased had last been seen two days earlier, at about 7:00 p.m., when she received a phone call, dressed casually, and left the room. She also indicated that colleagues became more concerned when Ms. Avinu did not return. Consequently, efforts were made by friends and colleagues to trace her whereabouts throughout the following day, but these attempts proved unsuccessful.

Subsequently, on Saturday, June 13 2026, the family of the deceased visited the Police station and were escorted to the mortuary for identification. The family confirmed the identity of the deceased, and observations made at the mortuary were consistent with the initial findings, as no physical injuries were detected on the body.

In light of these developments, ASP Abdul Abubakar indicated that the Police will, on Monday, June 15 2026, obtain a coroner's form from the court to facilitate a post-mortem examination. This procedure will enable a pathologist to determine the exact cause of death and provide further clarity on the case.

Meanwhile, the Police has assured the public that investigations are ongoing. The General Public is also being advised to desist from sharing or publicising false information about the incident, as such actions may impede ongoing investigations and cause unnecessary distress to the bereaved family, course mates, management, and the entire University Community.

The University Management has been duly informed, and appropriate support measures are being extended to the family, the affected roommate, colleague students and course mates during this difficult period.

-END-

[Signature]
Kwabena Antwi-Konadu, PhD, FChPA, FCMC, APR
AG. DIRECTOR, DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS