Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has arrived in Latvia to lead a fact-finding mission into the unclear and disturbing circumstances surrounding the death of Ghanaian student Nana Agyei Ahyia, who was studying at Riga Technical University.
Ablakwa announced his visit on social media, highlighting that he and his six-member delegation, which includes senior directors from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a forensic expert, and a pathologist, have received assurances from Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže that the Latvian government will fully cooperate with Ghana to bring closure and justice to the Ahyia family.
“As I promised Ghanaians, the main reason for requesting this official visit is the distressing and unclear circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Nana Agyei Ahyia. he Latvian Foreign Minister has conveyed firm assurances that her government will fully cooperate with Ghana in the pursuit of truth and justice.” Ablakwa stated.
The mission follows persistent calls from the Ahyia family, who have rejected the initial report suggesting Nana Agyei died by suicide after falling from his sixth-floor apartment. The family maintains that their son may have been poisoned following an episode of racial abuse by some Latvian nationals, raising serious concerns about the official cause of death.
Ablakwa noted that two family members initially could not travel with the delegation due to visa processing delays, which were caused by incomplete documentation.
“Unfortunately, due to visa processing delays, the two members of Nana Agyei’s family which I invited to join my delegation could not travel with us on Saturday night. I have been informed that their visas were issued today and therefore are scheduled to travel tonight so they can join us tomorrow morning. It is worth clarifying that all family members and experts accompanying me on this delegation are fully funded by the ministry. he said.
He emphasized that all family members and experts traveling with the delegation are fully funded by the Ministry, countering earlier claims that the family had been asked to pay for their travel.
The visit also addresses allegations by a woman claiming to be Nana Agyei’s sister, who had publicly stated that the mother was forced to pay for travel and was issued a fake airline ticket. The Ministry clarified that these claims were false and misleading, noting that the mother had been notified multiple times about the postponement due to visa delays. Upon arriving at the airport, she was denied because her travel documentation was incomplete, not because of any demand for payment.
The delegation is expected to continue engagements with Latvian authorities, including the Ministries of the Interior and Education, as well as investigators handling the case. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Ghanaians abroad and ensuring that justice is served for Nana Agyei Ahyia.
Nana Agyei’s death, first reported in June 2025, has itself been a source of controversy. Latvian authorities initially said he died after reportedly falling from the sixth floor of his apartment building in Riga. However, his family has raised serious questions about the official account, rejecting suggestions of suicide or accidental fall and insisting that the full circumstances of his death be thoroughly investigated.
His remains were repatriated to Ghana in July 2025, where family members and supporters have repeatedly called for transparency and justice. Latvian authorities have agreed to meet with a Ghanaian delegation as part of ongoing efforts to seek clarity and accountability in the case, following sustained diplomatic engagement by the Ghanaian government.
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