Rising Concern Over Student Deaths in Ghana’s Public Universities

A JoyNews Research analysis has revealed growing concern over the safety and well-being of students in Ghana’s public universities, with at least 13 students reportedly dying from non-natural causes since 2024.

The report indicates that the deaths, which include road accidents, suicides, drownings, falls and violent attacks, have occurred across major institutions such as the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the University of Education, Winneba (UEW).

According to the findings, 2024 recorded six deaths, the highest annual figure within the period under review. Four deaths were recorded in 2025, while at least three have already been reported in the first half of 2026. Most cases involved road traffic accidents, followed by suicides and isolated incidents of violence.

KNUST recorded some of the most widely reported cases, including the killing of final-year student Joana Deladem Yabani in February 2025, which sparked national outrage. Her boyfriend, a fellow student, was arrested and charged with murder and remains in custody as legal processes continue. The university also recorded several road accident fatalities between 2024 and 2025.

At the University of Cape Coast, recent incidents have heightened public concern, including the death of Innocentia Avinu, whose body was found at Hutchland Beach in June 2026 after she was last seen leaving her hostel. Police have since arrested a suspect in connection with the case, while investigations continue.

Other reported cases include suicides at UEW and Sunyani Technical University, as well as road accidents at the University of Ghana and KNUST. In several instances, investigations are still ongoing, with post-mortem examinations pending or inconclusive.

Education authorities and university management teams have responded by launching investigations, collaborating with security agencies, and providing counselling services where necessary. However, student leaders and advocacy groups argue that more must be done to improve campus safety, strengthen mental health support systems, and enhance security infrastructure such as lighting and surveillance.

The Ministry of Education has also directed institutions, including UCC, to fully cooperate with ongoing investigations into recent cases.

While universities continue to review safety measures, the absence of a centralised national database for student deaths means the actual number of cases may be higher than reported.

The findings have reignited debate about student safety, mental health awareness, and security in Ghana’s tertiary institutions, with calls for urgent reforms to prevent further tragedies.