The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that the Ministry is investigating the death of 18-year-old Ghanaian student, Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia, who died under suspicious circumstances in Latvia.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Mr. Ablakwa described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and said the Ministry had initiated immediate inquiries through the appropriate diplomatic channels. He assured the public that updates would be provided as investigations progress, stressing Ghana’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
Nana Agyei, a first-year Electrical Engineering (Adaptronic) student at Riga Technical University, enrolled in July 2024 and died on June 4, 2025. His death has generated widespread concern among his family, fellow students, and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Europe. His remains were repatriated to Ghana on July 23, 2025, for burial.
Latvian authorities have indicated that the student died after falling from the sixth floor of his apartment building. However, his family has strongly disputed this account, rejecting claims of suicide or accidental fall and calling for a thorough investigation.
According to the family, Nana Agyei sent a voice note three days before his death alleging that he had been poisoned by two Latvian acquaintances after consuming a drink. They have also raised concerns over inconsistencies in official reports, noting that the body was reportedly found fully clothed with only a minor forehead injury and no broken bones, circumstances they argue are inconsistent with a fall from a six-storey building. Medical reports are said to have indicated poisoning by an unknown substance, yet the suspects were reportedly released, further deepening calls for accountability.