Ghana Police reveal cause of death of woman found in Takoradi hotel pool

The Ghana Police Service has issued a statement regarding the cause of death of 24-year-old Lois Abena Koranteng, who was found dead at a hotel in Takoradi in the Western Region on June 8, 2024.

According to a police statement, an autopsy conducted in the presence of the deceased's family by a pathologist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital revealed the cause of death to be asphyxia, severe pulmonary edema, and drowning.

Reports indicate that Ms. Koranteng, 24, was found dead in a swimming pool at a hotel (name withheld) in Takoradi.

She allegedly checked into the hotel on June 7, 2024, with her boss and another company (name withheld) staff member.

Tragically, she was discovered dead in the hotel’s pool the following morning.

Reports indicate that the hotel’s CCTV cameras were not functioning during the week of the incident, adding to the mystery surrounding her death. The lack of surveillance footage has raised concerns about the circumstances leading to her demise.

The incident has garnered significant attention on social media, with many questioning the details of what happened and why it took a month for the news to surface.

The delay in reporting has fueled speculation and concern among the public. Hashtags associated with the incident have been trending on social media for the past three days.

Meanwhile, following dissatisfaction expressed by the deceased’s family in sections of the media regarding the extent of police engagement with them on the matter, the Inspector-General of Police, on July 10, 2024, reached out to the family via a telephone call and rendered an unqualified apology for the lack of sufficient police engagement. 

He assured them that the investigation into the incident is still ongoing and also informed them of the readiness of the police to visit them at their convenience and update them on the investigation's progress.

The police statement further disclosed that it received a complaint on June 8 that Ms. Koranteng had been found unconscious in a swimming pool at the hotel. She was taken to the hospital for medical attention but was pronounced dead on arrival.

"Police will continue to work closely with the family as the investigation into the incident continues," the statement said.