The University of Cape Coast (UCC) has begun an internal investigation following the death of one of its Level 200 students, whose body was discovered at Hutchland Beach in Cape Coast on Friday.
The deceased, identified as Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, was confirmed by the university after police alerted authorities following the recovery of her body.
In a statement issued by its Directorate of Public Affairs, UCC said it is working closely with the UCC District Police Command to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.
The Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs is coordinating the university’s response and assisting police with identification processes and the collection of relevant information. The office was contacted after investigators confirmed that the deceased was a student of the institution.
According to preliminary information, Ms Avinu resided in a private hostel at Amamoma and was last seen on the evening of Wednesday, June 10.
Her roommate reportedly told investigators that she received a phone call, left the room dressed casually around 7:00 p.m., and did not return.
Family members visited the police station on Saturday, June 13, to formally identify the body. The university says it is supporting communication between the police and the bereaved family while providing assistance during the ongoing process.
UCC also confirmed that counselling and psychological support services have been made available to the deceased’s roommate, classmates, course mates, and other students affected by the incident.
Police have taken over the investigation and are expected to obtain a coroner’s form ahead of a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.
The university and the police have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, warning that speculation could interfere with investigations and cause further distress to the family and campus community.
