UEW, Effutu Traditional Council Mourn Prof. Amedeker
On Thursday, 12th June, 2025, a delegation from the Effutu Traditional Council led by Neenyi Obor Kwesi Atta formally visited the Management of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) to convey the Council’s condolences on the passing of Prof. Koku Mawuadem Amedeker.
Mr. Ebo Ghartey, Chief of Staff to the Paramount Chief Neenyi Ghartey VII, informed the Management of UEW that "Neenyi has sent us here this afternoon because a few weeks ago, he received heartbreaking news about a heinous crime committed against one of your professors, Prof. Amedeker, an integral part of our Winneba family," he stated.
The Council pledged its cultural and traditional support to both the University and the bereaved family. Mr. Ghartey urged the University to keep the Council informed of any arrangements regarding the final rites, assuring that the Council would fulfill all necessary traditional obligations.
Mr. Ghartey further expressed grave concern over the increasing incidents of violent crimes in Winneba. He recalled a similar incident in which the wife of a local resident was killed in a fire allegedly orchestrated by her house help and a security guard. “Winneba is growing, and with the influx of people of all characters, we need to sit up,” he cautioned.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, described Prof. Amedeker as “a principled man” and lamented the severe vacuum his death leaves in both the university’s academic community and his personal life.
"I have known Prof. Amedeker since the early 1990s. He chaired my wedding and was like a father figure to me. He sacrificed a lot for this university and his work in Quality Assurance helped shape the institution," Prof. Mitchual recounted emotionally.
The Vice-Chancellor confirmed that following the initial reports of Prof. Amedeker’s disappearance, university authorities worked closely with law enforcement agencies. CCTV footage and other evidence have since aided investigations now being handled by the CID headquarters in Accra.
“A team from CID came down for three days and confirmed they have substantial leads. We are waiting for the official report,” Prof. Mitchual noted.
The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that enhancing campus security has been one of his key visions since assuming office. “Security is critical for any university aspiring to international status,” he said, outlining measures such as installing CCTV systems, patrolling arrangements with police and upcoming infrastructure projects to secure access points on campus.
However, he lamented challenges including procurement bottlenecks and financial constraints. “We were running daily deficits. But we have begun working with Urban Roads to improve road networks which are essential to campus safety,” he added.
According to him, initial investigations revealed that Prof. Amedeker’s attacker exploited a gap in the security fencing to access the premises at dawn and remained hidden until executing the act.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “His demise came as a surprise to all of us. We say God knows best. But we pray that such a thing never happens to anyone again, not in Winneba or the country,” she said.
As UEW mourns the loss of one of its committed scholars, it also looks inward and forward, determined to strengthen institutional security, deepen community ties and uphold the values that Prof. Amedeker stood for.
