Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has arrived in Latvia for a two-day official visit aimed at seeking clarity and justice over the tragic death of Ghanaian student Nana Agyei Ahyia.
In a Facebook post on Monday, the Minister said the visit was in line with a promise he made to Ghanaians to personally address the disturbing and unresolved circumstances surrounding the student’s death while studying at Riga Technical University.
Mr Ablakwa disclosed that he received a warm welcome from Latvia’s Foreign Minister, Her Excellency Baiba Braže, and that the two sides held productive bilateral discussions.
According to him, the Latvian government has assured Ghana of full cooperation in efforts to uncover the truth and ensure justice.
The Foreign Affairs Minister is leading a six-member delegation made up of senior officials from the Ministry, a forensic expert, and a pathologist. He explained that two family members of the deceased were unable to travel with the delegation on Saturday due to visa processing delays, but have since been issued visas and are expected to join the team in Latvia.
Mr. Ablakwa clarified that all members of the delegation, including family representatives and experts, are fully funded by the Ministry. He dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting extortion, fake airline tickets, or demands for payment from the family, describing the allegations as baseless and unsupported by evidence.
The Minister noted that his delegation will continue engagements with Latvian authorities, including meetings with officials from the Ministries of Interior and Education, as well as investigators handling the case.
The visit follows a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejecting claims that it demanded money from the family of Nana Agyei Ahyia to facilitate travel arrangements.
The Ministry reiterated that the government has borne all costs related to the investigation and travel and has maintained transparent communication with the family.
According to the Ministry, travel delays were caused solely by visa processing challenges, including incomplete documentation at the initial stage, and not by any wrongdoing on the part of government officials.
Mr Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of its citizens abroad, stressing that the Ministry remains focused on ensuring justice for the late Nana Agyei Ahyia.
“For God and Country,” he said.
