Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated a formal investigation into the death of an 18-year-old Ghanaian student in Latvia, following growing concerns raised by his family and the public over the circumstances surrounding his passing.
The student, Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia, was a first-year Electrical Engineering student at Riga Technical University, having enrolled in July 2024. Reports indicate that he died on June 4, 2025, after falling from the sixth floor of his apartment building on Baznicas Street in Riga. While Latvian authorities initially described the incident as an accidental fall, the student’s family disputes this account and has called for a comprehensive investigation.
Following the tragedy, the Ghanaian government, through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, has stepped in to ensure that due process is followed and that the rights of the deceased and his family are respected. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the ministry is pursuing the case through diplomatic channels and is working closely with local authorities in Latvia to ascertain the truth.
In a statement posted on social media, Minister Ablakwa described the student’s death as “heart-wrenching” and emphasized that Ghana would not tolerate harm to its citizens abroad. He assured Ghanaians that every effort is being made to investigate the circumstances thoroughly and hold accountable anyone responsible. “I have directed that all necessary diplomatic channels be engaged immediately,” he said. “Nobody harms a Ghanaian in any part of the world and gets away with it.”
The student’s family has raised serious concerns regarding the official account of his death. According to relatives, a voice note sent by Nana Agyei in the days leading up to his death suggested that he had been poisoned by acquaintances. Family members have also highlighted inconsistencies in the official narrative, noting that the injuries observed on the body do not clearly align with a fall from such a height.
In response to these concerns, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is working to obtain additional information from Latvian authorities and independent experts to clarify the cause of death. The government has committed to transparency throughout the process and has promised to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
The case has attracted significant public attention in Ghana, with many citizens expressing sympathy for the family and calling for justice. Social media platforms have been active with discussions on the circumstances of Nana Agyei’s death, reflecting broader concerns about the safety and welfare of Ghanaians studying or working abroad.
Legal and diplomatic experts have noted that cases involving the death of citizens overseas require careful handling, balancing respect for local legal procedures with the need to protect national interests. Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated that it will continue to engage with Latvian authorities and other relevant bodies to ensure that the investigation is thorough and that all available evidence is considered.
The student’s body has already been repatriated to Ghana, where the family continues to advocate for a full and transparent inquiry. Civil society groups have also expressed support, urging government officials to pursue justice and ensure accountability.
As the investigation unfolds, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaians abroad. The death of Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by students and citizens living overseas, and the importance of strong diplomatic engagement in such situations.
Check the minister’s post on Facebook below:
Source: Thepressradio.com
