The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that the Government of Ghana has launched an official investigation into the death of 18-year-old Ghanaian student, Nana Agyei Oduru Ahyia, who died under controversial circumstances in Latvia.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the Minister described the incident as deeply distressing and said the Ministry had activated the appropriate diplomatic and investigative channels to establish the facts surrounding the young student’s death.
“My attention has been drawn to a deeply troubling video reporting the killing of a Ghanaian student by name Nana Adjei in Latvia,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
He assured the public that the Foreign Affairs Ministry is treating the matter with urgency.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun immediate investigations through the relevant diplomatic channels. We will keep the public informed as developments unfold. Let me also reiterate that no one harms a Ghanaian anywhere in the world and walks away without consequences,” he added.
Background of the Case
Nana Agyei was a first-year student of Electrical Engineering (Adaptronic) at Riga Technical University in Latvia. He enrolled in the programme in July 2024 and died on June 4, 2025, less than a year after beginning his studies.
News of his death has sparked widespread concern and outrage, particularly among his family, fellow Ghanaian students abroad, and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Europe.
His remains were repatriated to Ghana on July 23, 2025, ahead of burial arrangements by the family.
Conflicting Accounts of His Death
Latvian authorities have officially stated that Nana Agyei died after falling from the sixth floor of his apartment building. However, this explanation has been strongly disputed by his family, who insist that the circumstances surrounding his death do not support claims of an accident or suicide.
The family has rejected suggestions that Nana Agyei either jumped or accidentally fell, arguing instead that there are serious indications of foul play.
Allegations of Poisoning
Central to the family’s concerns is a voice note Nana Agyei reportedly sent three days before his death, in which he claimed that two Latvian acquaintances had poisoned him after he consumed a drink they offered him.
According to the family, medical findings later confirmed that he had been poisoned by an unidentified substance, yet the individuals suspected of involvement were released without charges.
Inconsistencies Raise Questions
The family has also highlighted what they describe as major inconsistencies in official reports, including:
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Claims that Nana Agyei’s body was found fully clothed
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Only a minor scratch on his forehead
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No broken bones, which they argue is inconsistent with a fall from a six-storey building
These details, they say, further weaken the official account and strengthen their demand for a comprehensive, independent investigation.
Calls for Accountability
The case has intensified calls for full transparency, justice and accountability, with many urging both Ghanaian and Latvian authorities to work together to uncover the truth.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry says it remains engaged and will continue to pursue the matter through diplomatic channels, as pressure mounts to ensure that the circumstances of Nana Agyei’s death are fully explained.
