Tragedy in Ketu South: Young coconut seller allegedly commits suicide
Prince, a coconut vendor in his early twenties who was deaf and mute, was found hanging in his room during the early hours of Wednesday, June 11, 2025. According to locals, the discovery was made by a friend who had gone to fetch him for their daily routine.
A cloud of grief has descended on Akame Nyekornakpoe, a quiet community in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, following the suspected suicide of a young man known to residents as Prince Tengey.
Prince, a coconut vendor in his early twenties who was deaf and mute, was found hanging in his room during the early hours of Wednesday, June 11, 2025. According to locals, the discovery was made by a friend who had gone to fetch him for their daily routine.
Eyewitnesses described him as cheerful and seemingly normal the night before, with no signs of distress or unusual behaviour.
However, sources within the community believe Prince may have been overwhelmed by personal turmoil. He had recently been arrested and detained for close to a month over a sexual assault allegation—a case that is still pending in court. He was due for a court appearance on Tuesday, June 10, but reportedly failed to show up.
Some residents claim he had been warned that missing his court date or failing to report to the police could result in re-arrest, a possibility that may have heightened his emotional distress.
“We suspect the legal troubles weighed heavily on him,” said one concerned resident.
Mr. Wilfred Dakunya, the Assembly Member for the area, confirmed the tragic event to the Ghana News Agency (GNA). He expressed deep sorrow and called for stronger mental health support and community engagement to help those facing silent battles.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Mr. Dakunya said. “We need to create safe spaces where people can talk about their problems. Suicide is never the answer.”
He emphasized plans to work with community leaders, health professionals, and social support systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Attempts by GNA to speak with the deceased’s family were unsuccessful, as his parents, overcome with grief, declined to comment.
The body has been sent to the Ketu South Municipal Hospital morgue for autopsy, while police investigations continue.
