A quiet sense of dread has settled over the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), as the mystery surrounding a recently withdrawn student deepens. According to the student's parents, their daughter—whose identity is being withheld for privacy and security reasons—is now officially missing and "nowhere to be found." What began as a routine school withdrawal has turned into a distressing and emotionally charged search that has gripped the local community and drawn attention from national bodies.
This student, previously enrolled in UEW’s Faculty of Educational Studies, was reportedly undergoing personal challenges and requested a formal withdrawal from the university just a few weeks ago. At the time, university staff and fellow students saw no major red flags, as it is not uncommon for students to temporarily leave for financial, health, or personal reasons. However, following her withdrawal, contact with the student abruptly ceased, prompting growing concern among family members.
Now, her parents have confirmed with a heavy heart that she has not returned home, is not with any known friends or relatives, and remains completely untraceable.
A Withdrawal Followed by Silence
According to school records, the student completed all the necessary steps to withdraw from UEW. Her academic record was closed without issue, and she left the university campus peacefully. Her last appearance on campus was noted to be on a Tuesday, where she was seen collecting some personal belongings from her hostel and submitting final clearance forms.
“I remember her saying she just needed a break. She didn’t go into much detail, and honestly, I didn’t want to push. Everyone handles pressure differently,” said a fellow student who resided in the same hostel. “She seemed calm, a bit distant, but nothing alarming.”
However, that calm demeanor may have concealed deeper turmoil.
According to the student’s parents, she had informed them that she was planning to return home in the Central Region shortly after her withdrawal. But days turned into weeks, and she never arrived. Attempts to reach her phone went unanswered. Messages remained unread. Initially, the family assumed she might be staying with a friend or relative, or even taking time for herself before returning home.
But as time passed, that hope began to fade.
“She Is Nowhere to Be Found”
In an emotional interview with local media, her mother expressed her anguish. “We waited. We hoped. We prayed. But it’s been over three weeks now, and no one has heard from her. She is nowhere to be found. Not in Winneba, not at home, not with friends. We are terrified.”
The student’s father echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that this is entirely out of character for his daughter. “She’s always kept in touch, even during her hardest moments at school. For her to just vanish—it doesn’t make sense.”
The family has since filed an official missing person report with the Ghana Police Service and has reached out to the university for assistance in piecing together her last known movements.
What the University Says
In a brief statement, the University of Education, Winneba acknowledged the situation and pledged its cooperation with the family and law enforcement authorities.
“We are deeply concerned by the report of a missing former student who recently completed her withdrawal from the university. Our administrative and security teams are working closely with the authorities to provide any relevant information that may aid in locating her,” the statement read.
University security has begun reviewing CCTV footage from campus gates and common areas, and is in the process of interviewing hostel mates, friends, and lecturers who may have had recent contact with the student. Additionally, the student’s academic advisor and counselor have been consulted to understand if any warning signs were previously flagged.
Community Reaction and Online Support
News of the disappearance has shaken the UEW student body. Messages of concern and support have flooded social media platforms, particularly on Twitter and Facebook, where students are using the hashtag #FindHerUEW to share photos, updates, and words of encouragement.
“This could happen to any of us,” wrote one concerned student. “You never know what someone is going through. Let’s keep our eyes open and our hearts strong. Let’s bring her home.”
Some have called for the university to establish stronger post-withdrawal welfare checks, especially for students who show signs of emotional or psychological distress.
“It’s not enough to just sign a form and leave,” said one student activist. “We need a system that makes sure students who withdraw are safe—not just academically cleared.”
Broader Implications
This incident has sparked conversations about mental health, social isolation, and systemic gaps in Ghana’s tertiary institutions. While the withdrawal process is mostly administrative, it often lacks a holistic review of a student’s emotional well-being or living conditions after departure.
“University life is not just about books and exams. It’s a major life shift that can trigger all sorts of emotional challenges,” said Dr. Josephine Boadu, a psychologist based in Accra. “When a student chooses to withdraw, especially suddenly, it’s critical to understand the underlying reasons. Sometimes, they may be dealing with severe depression, anxiety, or personal trauma.”
Dr. Boadu advocates for follow-up protocols where counselors can stay in touch with students who withdraw, at least for a short period, to ensure their well-being.
The Search Continues
As of now, the Ghana Police Service has issued a public notice and is actively investigating the case. Posters with the student’s photo have been distributed in Winneba, Cape Coast, and other nearby towns. Market vendors, transport operators, hostel owners, and even religious institutions have been asked to report any possible sightings or suspicious activity.
“There are leads we are following,” said a police spokesperson. “We are working closely with telecom companies to track phone records and are reviewing bank activity. However, we ask anyone with information to come forward immediately.”
The family, despite their visible fatigue and heartbreak, remains hopeful. They continue to visit UEW, nearby towns, and police stations—desperate for any clue that might lead them to their daughter.
“If you’ve seen her, if you know anything—no matter how small—please come forward,” her mother pleaded. “She is our only child. We just want her safe.”
A Growing Crisis?
This case is not an isolated incident. Reports from NGOs and student organizations suggest that a growing number of tertiary students across Ghana experience severe psychological stress, with some choosing to withdraw, disappear, or even contemplate suicide.
In 2023 alone, the Ghana Psychological Association reported a noticeable rise in calls from university-aged individuals seeking help for anxiety, academic burnout, and identity crises.
As such, the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission have been urged to introduce mental health audits and student support frameworks that go beyond academic counseling.
“Prevention is better than rescue,” said Samuel Adusei, a youth advocate and NGO worker. “This case at UEW is a loud wake-up call. We need to create safe, non-judgmental environments for our youth to express themselves without fear or stigma.”
Final Thoughts
The disappearance of the recently withdrawn UEW student has become more than a personal family crisis—it has evolved into a symbol of broader issues facing Ghana’s educational and mental health support systems.
For now, a family waits. A campus holds its breath. And a nation prays.
The search continues. But time is ticking.
If you have any information that could assist in locating the missing student, please contact the nearest police station or reach out to the family through official university channels. Let’s do our part to help bring her home.
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