Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that the Latvian Interior Ministry has assumed direct supervisory responsibility over investigations into the death of Nana Agyei Ahyia, appointing a new team of investigators to ensure a credible and conclusive outcome.
The development follows extensive diplomatic engagements led by the Minister with Latyvia’s Foreign Minister, Baiba Braže ,Minister for the Interior, Rihards Kozlovskis, senior police officials, state prosecutors, and other Latvian authorities.
The engagements were initiated after the family of the deceased rejected the initial police assessment suggesting suicide and called for a more thorough and transparent probe into the actual cause of death.
Minister Ablakwa emphasised that the family was duly represented by two individuals throughout the diplomatic process, dispelling earlier claims that the deceased’s mother had been compelled to pay for a visa, issued a fraudulent visa, or denied boarding at the airport. The Ministry had previously clarified that certain required travel documentation had not been submitted by the family delegation in time, resulting in procedural delays and a necessary postponement.
He further disclosed that Ghana’s fact-finding delegation comprised forensic experts, a pathologist, legal practitioners, Ghana’s Ambassador, and consular officers from the Ghanaian Embassy in Berlin. According to the Minister, Latvian authorities have assured the delegation of high-level oversight and the appointment of fresh investigators to guarantee the integrity of the process.
“The Latvians indicated that investigations were underway and active, noting that due to the high interest of the Government of Ghana, the investigations are now directly supervised by the Latvian Interior Ministry with fresh investigators appointed to ensure credible outcomes,” the statement read.
Latvian authorities have also opened channels for the submission of additional relevant information to facilitate a comprehensive and transparent inquiry. The deceased’s mother has formally presented a statement to the authorities as part of the official record, while Ghana’s delegation indicated that further information may be submitted to aid the investigation.
Subject to Latvian legal procedures and consent, the final investigative report is expected to be shared with the family of Nana Agyei Ahyia. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad and pursuing justice through lawful diplomatic channels.
“The Ministry wishes to assure that the Government of Ghana remains fully committed to truth, transparency and justice. We shall, therefore, maintain regular engagement with the authorities of Latvia and will continue to utilise all appropriate diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure that due process is followed and justice is served,” the statement added.
The latest developments underscore Ghana’s cooperative diplomatic approach in addressing sensitive matters involving its nationals overseas, a posture consistent with its foreign policy architecture that prioritises citizen protection while maintaining constructive bilateral relations.
Nana Agyei Ahyia, a Ghanaian national studying at the Riga Technical University in Latvia, was reported dead under circumstances initially classified by local authorities as suicide. The preliminary finding, however, was swiftly contested by members of his family, who raised concerns over inconsistencies and called for an independent and more exhaustive investigation. The matter subsequently drew public attention in Ghana, prompting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene at the highest diplomatic levels.
The case has since evolved into a test of bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Latvia, with Accra seeking assurances of procedural transparency and forensic thoroughness. Ghana’s deployment of a multidisciplinary delegation reflects the government’s determination to independently verify investigative processes while respecting Latvian jurisdiction. The outcome of the probe is expected to provide clarity not only for the bereaved family but also for broader public confidence in cross-border justice mechanisms.
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