The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that the Government of Ghana has launched investigations into the suspicious death of an 18-year-old Ghanaian student, Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia, in Latvia.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the Minister described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated the appropriate diplomatic channels to establish the facts surrounding the student’s death.
“My attention has been drawn to a heart-wrenching video reporting the killing of a Ghanaian student by name Nana Adjei in Latvia,” Mr Ablakwa wrote.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commenced immediate investigations through relevant diplomatic channels. We shall provide the public with regular updates. It is worth reminding that nobody harms a Ghanaian in any part of the world and gets away with it.”
Student’s Death Raises Serious Concerns
Nana Agyei, a first-year Electrical Engineering (Adaptronic) student at Riga Technical University, enrolled in July 2024. He died on June 4, 2025, under circumstances that have sparked widespread concern among his family, colleagues, and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Europe.
His remains were returned to Ghana on July 23, 2025, for burial.
Conflicting Accounts Surrounding His Death
Latvian authorities have reportedly stated that Nana Agyei died after falling from the sixth floor of his apartment building. However, his family has strongly disputed this explanation, rejecting claims of suicide or accidental fall and calling for a comprehensive and independent investigation.
According to the family, Nana Agyei sent a voice note three days before his death, alleging that he had been poisoned by two Latvian acquaintances after consuming a drink. They argue that this allegation was never thoroughly investigated.
Alleged Inconsistencies in Official Reports
The family has pointed to several inconsistencies in the official account, including reports that the body was found fully clothed, with only a scratch on the forehead and no broken bones, which they say contradicts the claim that he fell from a six-storey building.
They further claim that medical reports confirmed poisoning by an unknown substance, yet the suspects allegedly linked to the incident were released by Latvian authorities.
Government Assures Accountability
The Foreign Affairs Ministry says it is working closely with Ghana’s diplomatic missions and relevant authorities in Latvia to ensure that the matter is fully investigated and that justice is served.
The case has reignited public debate in Ghana about the safety of Ghanaian students abroad and the need for stronger diplomatic protection and swift intervention when citizens face danger outside the country.
Government has assured the family and the Ghanaian public that it will pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and provide regular updates as investigations progress.
