The Ghana Police Service has apprehended a suspect in connection with the murder of a 20-year-old University of Cape Coast (UCC) student, Innocentia Atsufui Avinu. The suspect, identified as Michael Mensah, was taken into custody on Monday, June 15, 2026.
Discovery of the Body
Innocentia's body was discovered at the Hutchland Beach area, near Duakor, in Cape Coast on Friday, June 12, 2026. She had been missing for approximately 12 hours after she was last seen by her hostel roommate.
According to the roommate, with whom she resided at a private hostel in Amamoma, a nearby community, Innocentia received a phone call, dressed casually, and left the room at about 7 pm on June 11, 2026. When she did not return, her colleagues became concerned and efforts to trace her whereabouts throughout the following day proved unsuccessful.
Arrest of the Suspect
The suspect, Michael Mensah, 39, was arrested by the IGP's Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team on Monday, June 15, 2026, at about 1915 hours at the Pedu Lorry Station in Cape Coast. The arrest followed sustained intelligence-led operations.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that on June 11, 2026, at about 1848 hours, the suspect, who claims to be a teacher by profession but also works as a driver, picked up the deceased from Ayensu Plaza within the University of Cape Coast hostel enclave and took her to Hutchland Beach, where she was last seen.
The police stated in a release on Tuesday, June 16, 2026: “Investigations continue and any further development will be duly communicated.”
Police Investigation
The police received a report approximately 6 am on Friday, June 12, 2026, from residents of the Duakor community indicating that a body had been washed ashore along the beach. A preliminary police report indicates that when the body was examined at the beach scene, the police observed no visible signs of physical injury.
University Statement
In a press release dated Sunday, June 14, 2026, issued by the Public Affairs Directorate, the University of Cape Coast said the police have initiated an investigation as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the student's death. Innocentia was a Level 200 Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource) student.
