By Makiza Micheline Latifa
Accra, February 2, 2026- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly dismissed what it describes as false and misleading claims circulating on social media regarding Ghana’s efforts to seek justice for the late Nana Agyei Ahyia, a Ghanaian student who died under unusual circumstances while studying at Riga Technical University in Latvia.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry said it had taken note of a viral video in which a woman claiming to be the sister of the deceased alleged that the family had been asked to make payments to facilitate travel to Latvia, that government officials travelled without any family member, and that a fake airline ticket had been issued to the deceased’s mother.
The Ministry categorically denied these allegations, stressing that it has maintained constant and transparent communication with the family since the incident. According to the statement, the Government of Ghana is fully funding all travel arrangements for two family members nominated by the family, as well as a pathologist, to travel to Latvia.
“At no point has the Ministry or any government official demanded or received any form of payment from the family,” the statement said, adding that all associated costs are being borne by the state.
The Ministry explained that it actively facilitated the visa application process for the nominated family members, who were initially scheduled to travel by January 31, 2026. However, the trip could not take place due to delays in visa issuance by the relevant authorities.
It further clarified that during their visa appointments, the family members were unable to present all the required documentation. Once the outstanding documents were received, the Ministry said it promptly assisted in submitting them to the appropriate embassy.
According to the statement, the deceased’s mother was formally informed on Friday evening and again on Saturday that travel could not proceed as planned because the visas had not yet been issued and the passports were still with the embassy.
Despite these communications, the Ministry said the mother later went to the airport on Saturday evening in the company of bloggers, stating that she intended to approach the airline counter for evidentiary purposes. The Ministry noted that its officials clearly informed her that the document in her possession was not a confirmed airline ticket but an itinerary generated solely to support the visa application process, and that travel was impossible without her passport.
The Ministry emphasized that it continues to engage relevant authorities to secure the outstanding visas and facilitate the family’s travel as soon as possible.
Describing the spread of misinformation on the matter as deeply regrettable, the Ministry warned that the distortion of facts undermines public confidence in state institutions and distracts from the collective effort to uncover the truth surrounding the tragic death of a Ghanaian citizen abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its unwavering commitment to the protection and welfare of Ghanaians living overseas and to the pursuit of justice for the late Nana Agyei Ahyia.
Attached is the release.
