A cloud of grief has enveloped the Mfantsipim School community following the death of a 17-year-old final-year student whose body was discovered in an uncompleted building at Ola North in the Cape Coast Metropolis.
The deceased, Emmanuel Arthur, was preparing to sit for this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) when the tragic incident occurred. His body was discovered after a carpenter working near the abandoned structure alerted the police.
In a statement, the Central Regional Police Command confirmed that officers responded to the scene on June 11, 2026, following reports of a body found in the uncompleted building.
Investigators who arrived at the location conducted a thorough examination and recovered several personal belongings believed to belong to the deceased. Among the items found were a black backpack containing academic materials, including a Geography Paper One mock examination paper bearing Emmanuel Arthur’s name, two mobile phones—an Android device and a basic handset—as well as other personal effects.
The recovered items led police to contact authorities at Mfantsipim School, who subsequently confirmed that the deceased was a final-year student of the institution. Family members were later informed and assisted in the identification process.
According to police sources, the body had remained at the location for some time and was in an advanced state of decomposition when it was discovered. Following an examination by a pathologist at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, the remains were released to the family for burial.
Authorities also fumigated the uncompleted building after the recovery operation as part of public health and safety measures.
Police investigations have since concluded that the student died by suicide. However, investigators say they have not yet established the factors or circumstances that may have led to the incident.
While the immediate cause of death has been determined, authorities say inquiries are continuing to establish the events and circumstances that preceded the tragedy.
