The rising number of student deaths in Ghana’s universities has sparked widespread concern, with incidents ranging from tragic accidents to cases of suicide tied to emotional struggles. These unfortunate events have left a lasting mark on the nation's collective consciousness, especially as they involve vibrant young individuals who once carried hopes of transforming their communities and the nation at large.
The most recent incident occurred at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), where a level 100 student allegedly took his own life after learning of his partner’s infidelity. This disturbing event follows a similar case in 2023, involving Rita Anane, a third-year student at the same university, who was reported to have taken her own life due to a heartbreak. Her case raised suspicions and investigations later involved her boyfriend.
KNUST has particularly experienced a troubling pattern, recording multiple fatalities in the past two years. Among them was Afia Dedaa Osae-Atuah, a third-year student who tragically lost her life in a road accident after being hit by a speeding vehicle. Similarly, Joana Deladem Yabani’s death in February 2025 sent shockwaves through the university community. Her body was found near a campus facility, leading to the arrest of her boyfriend in connection with the case.
The University of Ghana also faced a somber moment in January 2024, when Emmanuel Kwabena Tetteh, a final-year Political Science student, was found lifeless in his hostel room. His farewell note spoke of his quiet battle with depression and the intense academic pressures he faced—triggering a national conversation on student mental health and the scarcity of support systems on campuses.
At Ho Technical University, nursing student Lydia Akorfa Doku’s life was tragically cut short in a road accident while returning home from an internship. Her colleagues described her as a selfless individual who extended care beyond her duties. Her death deeply affected her classmates and the nursing fraternity.
Back at KNUST, another student, Frederick Asamoah, was discovered dead in 2021 under mysterious circumstances, with some unverified reports linking it to financial stress from gambling debts, which his family denied. In the same year, Saani Majeed, a final-year student at UEW, died during a celebratory backflip that went wrong, causing fatal neck injuries.
Another fatal incident involved Lambert Frimpong, a second-year student at KNUST, who was stabbed following a misunderstanding with a friend over a missing t-shirt. His untimely death highlighted the need for better conflict resolution mechanisms among students.
In 2024, KNUST again faced a tragic loss when Jim Ofori Twumasi, a final-year student and the son of a prominent public official, collapsed during a meal with friends and passed away shortly after. He was known for his academic excellence and his sudden death left his peers in mourning.
Finally, Adzo Ahadzie, a Master of Architecture student at KNUST, was hit by a vehicle while cycling home. The unfortunate incident occurred along a campus road and claimed her life later that night despite emergency efforts.
These cases reflect the urgent need for improved student welfare, mental health support, road safety awareness, and interpersonal relationship education in Ghana’s tertiary institutions.
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