The last goodbye of Ghanaian shot dead in the US

On Friday, 18 September 2026, members of the Akamani family gathered for a conference call to determine if a delegation should travel to Biu for a funeral. The call ended, and Dr Kofi Akamani said goodbye to his family, wishing them a safe journey. Kofi was known for his loud and expressive personality, so his subdued demeanor that evening stood out.

He had been quiet and spoke more slowly than usual. The following day, Kofi was fatally shot in the United States and later pronounced dead. He was 48 years old and had spent much of his life in the US, pursuing an education and career in environmental science. Kofi was one of six children, and his family considered him a dependable person who helped when needed.

His roots were in northern Ghana, with his mother coming from Kologo near Navrongo and his father from Biu in the Upper East Region. Kofi's academic and professional career took him from Ghana to KNUST, Norway, and the United States, where he became involved in international forestry and natural resources work. Five former students from Osei Tutu Secondary School visited the Akamani family in Akropong to mourn and pay their respects.

These former classmates remembered Kofi as a quiet, disciplined, humble, and respectful young man, qualities that remained with him throughout his life. Kofi had been separated from his wife for about two years, awaiting final divorce and custody proceedings involving their children. The dissolution case was pending, and Kofi had sought full custody, while his wife was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of endangering a child.

Kofi was shot as he drove away from his wife's residence after dropping off the children on Saturday, 19 September.