Tragedy has struck the Nyekornakpoe community in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region, following the death of 22-year-old Prince Tengey, a hearing-impaired coconut vendor who was found hanging in the early hours of Wednesday, June 11.
Prince, described by locals as humble, hardworking, and jovial, was discovered by a friend who had gone to his residence to call him for the day’s work.
The grim discovery has left residents in shock, especially as there were no visible signs of distress when he was seen in the community the day before.
Assembly Member for the area, Mr. Williams Dakunya, confirmed the incident and expressed sorrow over the young man’s sudden death. “This has shocked us all.
He was well-known in the community and never gave any indication that he was going through something so heavy,” he said.
Further details have emerged indicating that Prince was facing a rape charge at the Tsivolime Magistrate Court.
He had reportedly been accused of raping a young woman in the community approximately three months ago.
He was initially remanded but later granted bail pending further court appearances.
Prince was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, June 10, but failed to do so.
According to the Assembly Member, the presiding judge, through Prince’s uncle—who represented him in court—warned that an arrest warrant would be issued if he failed to appear at the next scheduled hearing.
While investigations into the circumstances of his death are ongoing, some community members believe the ongoing legal proceedings may have taken a severe psychological toll on him, possibly contributing to his death.
The incident has also raised broader concerns about mental health support for persons with disabilities, especially those involved in legal processes.
The Ketu South Divisional Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident.
The body of the deceased has been conveyed to the Ketu South Municipal Mortuary for autopsy and further examination.
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