Family alleges foul play in death of Ghanaian graduate in South Africa

The family of 25-year-old Israel Kamoah Ashitei has called for a comprehensive investigation into his death in South Africa, following claims that some of his vital organs were missing when his body was returned to Ghana.

Mr Ashitei, a graduate of Accra Technical University, travelled to South Africa on March 25, 2026, on a trip reportedly organised by the Millennium Supporters Union of Ghana, according to family sources.

The family alleged that he was persuaded to undertake the trip by a woman identified only as Edith, who reportedly facilitated his travel documents and urged him to keep the arrangement confidential, with assurances of attending an international football match and securing employment opportunities.

According to the family, a day before his death, Mr Ashitei sent a message to a relative identifying Edith as affiliated with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and requested that she be held accountable should anything happen to him.

Mr Ashitei died on March 30, 2026. Trip organisers reportedly informed the family that a post-mortem examination in South Africa classified the death as suicide.

However, upon repatriation of the body to Ghana on April 1, 2026, the family alleged that the heart, lungs, and liver were missing. They further cited CCTV footage purportedly showing the deceased being dragged after resisting an unknown act, raising suspicions of possible foul play.

A formal complaint was lodged with the Ghana Police Service at the Labadi Police Station. The family indicated that the individual identified as Edith was invited for questioning and subsequently released, with the case reportedly discontinued at that level.

Maintaining that the circumstances suggest possible homicide and organ trafficking, the family has escalated the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiry.

At the time of filing this report, the Millennium Supporters Union of Ghana, the individual identified as Edith, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, as well as authorities in South Africa and the Ghana Police Service, had not issued official responses to the allegations.

By: Philip Kendriz Elikem