The Somanya District Police Command has launched investigations into the death of an unidentified woman whose decomposing body was found hanging from a tree in a bush at Brigade, a suburb of Somanya in the Eastern Region, with preliminary findings pointing to suspected foul play.
The body, believed to be that of a woman aged between 30 and 40 years, was discovered on Thursday after residents traced a strong stench in the area to a nearby bush.
Somanya District Police Commander, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nana Akomeah, said officers were dispatched to the scene immediately after receiving a report from residents.
According to him, the police found the body hanging from a tree with what appeared to be a piece of cloth tied around the neck.
ASP Akomeah said the body was in an advanced state of decomposition, making immediate identification impossible.
“From the look of things, we suspect foul play because there are signs that suggest the body was assaulted,” he stated.
He explained that investigators believe the body may have been at the location for about three weeks and have since begun reviewing station diaries and missing persons reports in an effort to establish the identity of the deceased.
As part of the investigations, police identified a missing person report filed on June 17 by a man who had reported his wife missing.
The complainant was subsequently invited to the Yilo Krobo District Hospital mortuary to identify the body. However, after examining the remains, he confirmed that the deceased was not his wife.
Police have also contacted the management of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) following reports of a missing student.
However, due to the advanced state of decomposition, university authorities have been unable to determine whether the deceased is the missing student.
The body has been deposited at the Yilo Krobo District Hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
ASP Akomeah said the autopsy would be crucial in determining the exact cause of death and helping investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He added that the police would collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other relevant institutions to fumigate the area where the body was found to avert any potential public health risk.
The Police Commander assured the public that every effort was being made to identify the deceased and bring anyone found culpable to justice. He also appealed to residents to promptly report missing persons and any suspicious activities to the police to aid ongoing investigations.
