The family of a 14-year-old student of Abomosu STEM Senior High School in the Eastern Region has called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, citing concerns over the medical attention he received and the condition of his body after his death.
Daniel Boateng Mintah died on September 30, 2026, approximately 12 days after reporting to the school, where he had hoped to pursue his ambition of becoming a computer engineer.
His parents, David and Joyce Mintah, say they are seeking answers about the events leading to his death, including the medication reportedly administered to him and drugs found among his belongings after the school returned them to the family.
According to his father, the family was first contacted on September 30 and informed that Daniel was unwell and required an injection for suspected malaria.
His wife, who had spoken to their son earlier that day, subsequently sent GH¢50 after the caller requested money for the injection. The family was also asked to provide Daniel’s health insurance details.
Mr Mintah said their efforts to obtain further information about their son’s condition were unsuccessful until about 3:10 p.m., when another caller, who identified himself as the school’s headmaster, asked them to report to the school urgently.
The parents immediately set off but were later directed to Kwabeng Hospital, where they were informed that Daniel had been brought there dead.
Mr Mintah said a doctor informed them that Daniel had complained of a headache and stomachache before being taken to the hospital. The doctor reportedly recommended a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
However, the family said subsequent developments deepened their concerns.
Mr Mintah recounted that after requesting the transfer of Daniel’s body to Tafo, he visited the mortuary on October 6 and observed blood coming from his son’s nose, ears, mouth and head.
“My suspicions deepened when I visited Daniel’s body at the mortuary on October 6 and observed blood coming from his nose, ears, mouth and head,” he recounted tearfully.
He also said the family had been told that Daniel left the orientation area to urinate but failed to return.
The father has appealed to the police to establish what happened to his son, insisting that the circumstances of his death must be clarified.
“If he was murdered, the laws of Ghana must be applied to the letter. If he died a natural death, may his gentle soul rest in peace,” he said.
The family has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, to intervene and ensure a thorough investigation.
Mr Mintah has further requested that Daniel’s body be moved from the Tafo mortuary to the Police Hospital in Accra to facilitate further investigations.
Family Raises Concerns Over Medication
Daniel’s elder sister, Vivian Mintah, has raised questions about medication found among her brother’s belongings after they were returned by the school.
She identified the drugs as carbamazepine, olanzapine and multivitamins, stating that the family had not bought them for Daniel.
“My brother had never received psychiatric treatment and had not been diagnosed with a mental health condition,” she said.
Vivian wants investigators to determine where the medication came from and why it was among her brother’s possessions.
She also recounted the family’s attempts to establish what treatment Daniel had received after being informed that he was unwell.
According to her, a teacher told her that Daniel had reported to the school’s sick bay complaining of a headache. However, the teacher could not identify the injection allegedly administered to him and referred her to a nurse who was unavailable at the time.
Vivian said her brother’s last hospital visit before enrolling at Abomosu STEM SHS had been for a dental appointment because he wanted braces.
She also described the emotional toll of his death, saying she had struggled to sleep and concentrate since losing him.
When she visited his body at the mortuary, she said she noticed blood on his uniform and gauze around his head, hands and feet.
Mother Recalls Son’s Ambition
Daniel’s mother, Joyce Mintah, said she had accompanied him to school when he reported and was unaware of any health problem before receiving the call on September 30.
She recalled that her son had been determined to study computer science, despite his father initially suggesting that he consider another course.
Mrs Mintah said Daniel had repeatedly assured the family that he would make them proud.
“Having taken him with me to the market one day, he saw my daily struggles and told me, ‘Mummy, I will surprise you, okay,’” she recalled.
She had hoped to watch him develop his interest in computers and had planned to buy him ahenema, or royal slippers, to wear with his cloth at an upcoming Parent-Teacher Association meeting.
The mother has appealed to the public and investigative authorities to help the family obtain answers.
“I’m at this point pleading with the entire country, investigative agencies, parents and everyone who feels connected to help push for justice for our son,” she said.
“Wherever my Daniel Boateng Mintah is, I want him to know I love him so much,” she added, struggling to hold back tears.
Former Teacher Calls for Answers
Daniel’s former teacher, Ricky Kwabena Godigah, an assistant headmaster at Richenfel Academy in Dawhenya, Tema Community 25, described him as a respectful and reserved student who demonstrated strong academic ability and a keen interest in computer science.
Mr Godigah said Daniel had no record of indiscipline and that his former school had supported his ambition to pursue a career in the field.
“We all want answers to this unfortunate incident, and only a thorough investigation can establish the truth,” he said.
He stressed that determining the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death would be important not only for the family but also to help prevent similar incidents.
The family continues to seek answers about Daniel’s final hours, the treatment he received and the medication found among his belongings, urging the relevant authorities to investigate the concerns raised and establish the circumstances of his death.
