Ghana Student Death in Latvia: Investigation & Concerns

Riga, Latvia, February 29, 2024 — The family of an 18-year-old Ghanaian student is challenging the official explanation surrounding his death in Latvia, raising serious questions about the investigation and prompting diplomatic intervention. Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia reportedly fell from a multi-story building in Riga, and Latvian authorities have suggested the incident was either a suicide or an accident. But Ahyia’s family vehemently disputes this assessment, insisting it’s inconsistent with everything they knew about him.

Family Alleges Foul Play in Student’s Death

The family of Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia is seeking a thorough investigation into his death in Latvia, disputing the official account.

• Ahyia’s family rejects Latvian authorities’ explanation of his death as either suicide or accident.
• Days before his death, Ahyia sent a voice message to family claiming he had been poisoned.
• Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister is engaging with Latvian officials to investigate the case.
• The family has commissioned an independent autopsy and is seeking full transparency.

Just days before his death, Ahyia sent a voice message to relatives alleging he had been poisoned. The family claims investigators didn’t prioritize this claim, and that the case was closed prematurely without a comprehensive examination of potential foul play. This lack of thorough investigation has fueled their distrust and sparked public concern in Ghana, where parents of students studying abroad and advocacy groups are now demanding greater transparency in such cases.

Q: What is the central dispute in this case?

A: The family of Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia disputes the Latvian authorities’ conclusion that his death was either a suicide or an accident, believing he may have been poisoned and that the investigation was insufficient.

Diplomatic Pressure Mounts for Investigation

Following the return of Ahyia’s body to Ghana, the family commissioned an independent autopsy and formally petitioned the Ghanaian government for assistance. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the government is actively engaging with Latvian officials. He described the case as “heart-wrenching” and pledged continued diplomatic follow-up to ensure a thorough investigation.

The family expressed relief at the government’s involvement, stating it offered “hope at a time of immense sorrow,” but also noted that delays in the process had exacerbated their grief.

Ahyia’s death has reignited a broader debate about the protections afforded to African students studying abroad. Analysts point out that families often face significant challenges navigating unfamiliar legal systems during crises. They emphasize that clear communication and open access to investigation findings are crucial to building trust and preventing misunderstandings.

Latvian authorities have not yet publicly addressed the family’s claim of poisoning. As of today, February 29, 2024, no official findings have been released regarding the investigation. The family’s demand remains straightforward: a complete and transparent explanation of the circumstances surrounding their son’s death, and confirmation that all credible leads were thoroughly investigated.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by students studying abroad and the importance of robust support systems and transparent investigations when tragedies occur.