A 17-year-old final-year student of Mfantsipim Senior High School in Cape Coast has died by suicide, the Central Regional Police Command has confirmed.
The deceased, identified as Emmanuel Arthur, was a candidate preparing to sit this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). His body was discovered in an uncompleted building at Ola North, a residential suburb within the Cape Coast metropolis, following a report made to police by a carpenter working near the structure.
According to a police statement, officers were dispatched to the scene on June 11, 2026, and conducted a thorough examination of the area upon arrival.
Investigators recovered a black backpack containing academic materials, including a Geography Paper 1 mock examination paper bearing the name Emmanuel Arthur, two mobile phones, an Android device and a basic handset, as well as other personal belongings.
The discoveries prompted investigators to contact authorities at Mfantsipim Senior High School, who subsequently confirmed that the deceased was a final-year student of the institution.
Police say investigations have established that the student died by suicide. However, the circumstances that may have led to the incident remain unknown.
The body had been at the location for some time and was in an advanced state of decomposition when it was found. Following an examination by a pathologist at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, the remains were released to the family, who proceeded with burial arrangements shortly after taking custody of the body. The uncompleted building was subsequently fumigated as part of public health and safety measures.
The family of the deceased has been informed, and investigations are ongoing.
