A student of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has been found dead at Hutchland Beach near Duakor, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
The deceased, Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, was a Level 200 Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) student. Her body was recovered on Friday, June 12, 2026.
UCC District Police Commander ASP Abdul Abubakar said police received a report from Duakor residents at about 6:00 a.m. Friday that a body had washed ashore.
Officers who responded observed no visible signs of physical injury. The body was conveyed to the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital mortuary pending identification.
Later that evening, police received information suggesting the deceased was a UCC student.
The Dean of Students’ Affairs was notified to assist with the identification process.
The student’s roommate at a private hostel in Amamoma reported to police with a photograph that helped confirm Avinu’s identity.
The roommate said Avinu was last seen two days earlier, around 7:00 p.m., when she received a phone call, dressed casually, and left the room.
Friends became concerned when she did not return, but efforts to trace her the next day proved unsuccessful.
On Saturday, June 13, Avinu’s family visited the police station and confirmed her identity at the mortuary.
Police said mortuary observations were consistent with initial findings, with no physical injuries detected.
ASP Abubakar stated that police will obtain a coroner’s form on Monday, June 15, to facilitate a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
The police have urged the public to avoid sharing false information about the incident, saying it could impede investigations and cause distress to the family and university community.
UCC Management has been informed and is extending support to the family, the roommate, and affected students.
Investigations are ongoing.
