A tragic discovery at a beach near Cape Coast has led to an ongoing police investigation after the body of a University of Cape Coast (UCC) student was found washed ashore.
The deceased has been identified as Innocentia Atsufui Avinu, a Level 200 Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) student. Her body was recovered at Hutchland Beach near Duakor in the early hours of Friday, June 12, 2026.
According to the UCC District Police Commander, ASP Abdul Abubakar, officers were alerted around 6:00 a.m. by residents of the Duakor community who reported that a body had been washed onto the shoreline. Police personnel immediately visited the location to verify the report.
Initial observations conducted at the scene revealed no visible signs of injury on the body. The remains were later transferred to the mortuary at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) while investigations and identification processes commenced.
Later that same day, investigators received information suggesting the deceased could be a student of the University of Cape Coast. The Dean of Students’ Affairs was subsequently informed and assisted in efforts to establish her identity.
The breakthrough came when a roommate of the deceased visited the police station with a photograph. The two had been living together in a private hostel at Amamoma, a community close to the university. The image helped investigators confirm the deceased as Innocentia Atsufui Avinu.
The roommate told police that she last saw Ms. Avinu about two days earlier at around 7:00 p.m. According to her account, the student received a phone call, left the room dressed casually and did not return. Concern grew among friends and colleagues after repeated attempts to reach her proved unsuccessful. They spent the following day trying to locate her, but their efforts yielded no results.
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, family members of the deceased reported to the police station and were escorted to the mortuary for formal identification. They confirmed that the body was indeed that of Innocentia Atsufui Avinu. Police said observations made at the mortuary were consistent with findings from the scene, with no physical injuries detected.
ASP Abdul Abubakar disclosed that police would secure a coroner’s form from the court on Monday, June 15, 2026, to pave the way for a post-mortem examination. The procedure is expected to determine the exact cause of death and provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the case.
Meanwhile, police have urged the public to avoid circulating unverified claims or misinformation about the incident. Authorities warned that false reports could undermine investigations and deepen the distress experienced by the bereaved family, students, university management and the wider UCC community.
According to a report, University management has been informed of the development and is providing support to the deceased’s family, her roommate, course mates and other affected students as investigations continue.
