Cape Coast, June 16, 2026 – The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Cape Coast Metropolis, accompanied by the Metropolitan Coordinating Director, the Budget and Planning Officer, the Assembly Engineer, and other officials of the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly, paid a courtesy visit to the management of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to gather firsthand information regarding the tragic death of Miss Innocentia Avinu, a female student who was reported missing and later found dead at Hachland Beach over the weekend.
The visit formed part of the MCE’s responsibility as Chairman of the Metropolitan Security Council to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident and assess the progress of investigations being conducted by the relevant authorities.
Welcoming the MCE and his delegation, the Registrar of the University of Cape Coast, Mr. Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye Esq., expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to cooperating fully with security agencies to ensure justice is served.
Also present at the meeting were key members of the university’s management, including Dr. Mary Owusu Obimpeh, Director of the Directorate of Consular and General Services; Dr. Atta Yaboah Sarpong, Director of the Directorate of Academic Affairs; Mr. George Amfo Antiri, Acting Director of the Directorate of Finance; Mr. Felix Adu-Poku, Head of Public Relations; and Mrs. Florence Okletey, Junior Assistant Registrar in the Registrar’s Office.
During the meeting, the Head of Security at UCC, Col. Baah Tsiquaye (Rtd), briefed management and the visiting delegation on the circumstances leading to the disappearance of Miss Innocentia Avinu, the efforts made by the university and security agencies following the report, the progress of investigations, and measures being considered to enhance student safety on and around campus.
Col. Tsiquaye informed the meeting that the university responded swiftly after receiving reports of the student’s disappearance and has since been collaborating closely with the police and other security agencies to support investigations and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Following the engagement with university management, the MCE and his team proceeded to meet with the UCC Police Commander, ASP Abdul Abubakar, to obtain further updates on the case.
During the interaction, ASP Abdul Abubakar disclosed that investigators have made a significant breakthrough with the arrest of a driver believed to have transported Miss Innocentia Avinu from her hostel to Hachland Beach on the day of the incident. According to the commander, the suspect is currently assisting the police with investigations as efforts continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and identify any accomplices connected to the case.
The MCE commended both the university authorities and the police for their swift response and dedication to the investigation. He urged the public to remain calm and allow the security agencies to carry out their work professionally without interference.
He further assured residents that the Metropolitan Security Council would continue to monitor developments closely and provide the necessary support to ensure that justice is served. The MCE also emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between educational institutions, security agencies, and the wider community to enhance the safety and security of students within the Cape Coast Metropolis.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
By Frank Kofi Essuman
