Winneba- August 31, 2026
The Effutu Municipal Assembly has expressed deep sorrow over the untimely death of Miss Mercy Yaaba Bredu, a 24-year-old National Service Personnel who was attached to the Information Services Department of the Assembly and tragically passed away in China shortly after arriving in the country to pursue a Master’s Degree programme.
A delegation from the Effutu Municipal Assembly, led by the Municipal Information Officer, Mr. Charles Baah Aboagye, together with the Human Resource Manager, Mr. Frank Agbenu, travelled to the late Mercy’s hometown in Akyem Tafo/Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region to commiserate with her bereaved family.
The delegation included Mr. Ebenezer Nkum, Transport Department; Mr. Emmanuel Agosu; and Miss Blessing Gadeka, all of the Information Services Department.
The visit was undertaken on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive, the Municipal Coordinating Director, Management, and the entire staff of the Effutu Municipal Assembly to convey heartfelt condolences to the family and assure them of the Assembly’s solidarity during this exceptionally difficult period.
The circumstances surrounding Mercy’s death have left colleagues, friends and family in profound shock.
Miss Mercy Yaaba Bredu had secured a fully funded scholarship to pursue a Master’s Degree programme in China, an opportunity that represented a significant milestone in the life of the young and promising National Service Personnel.
She left Ghana on Monday, August 24, 2026, filled with the hope and anticipation of beginning a new academic chapter and advancing her education.
However, upon her arrival at the airport in China, tragedy struck.
Mercy reportedly collapsed shortly after her arrival. Despite strenuous efforts by medical personnel and Chinese doctors to resuscitate her and save her life, their attempts proved unsuccessful.
She sadly passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, barely 24 hours after leaving the shores of Ghana.
Her death has been particularly painful because of how suddenly it occurred and because it came at a time when she was preparing to pursue an opportunity that could have significantly shaped her future.
Instead of welcoming news of her successful arrival and commencement of her studies, family members, friends and colleagues were confronted with the devastating news of her passing.
At the Effutu Municipal Assembly, Mercy was more than a National Service Personnel.
During her attachment to the Information Services Department, she worked alongside colleagues and became part of the Assembly’s working family. Her youthful presence, interactions with colleagues and contribution to the activities of the Department endeared her to many.
Her sudden departure has consequently created a painful void among colleagues who had looked forward to seeing her grow academically, professionally and personally.
For the Information Services Department in particular, the news has been difficult to comprehend.
A young colleague who had left Ghana to pursue higher education and build a better future will now be remembered for the promise she carried rather than the achievements she was expected to accomplish.
During the condolence visit, the delegation conveyed the deepest sympathies of the Municipal Chief Executive, Municipal Coordinating Director, Management and staff of the Effutu Municipal Assembly to the bereaved family.
The delegation acknowledged the enormous pain of losing a young daughter under such tragic and unexpected circumstances and encouraged the family to draw strength from the positive memories and relationships Mercy left behind.
The Assembly further assured the family of its readiness to support them, within its capacity, as they await the return of Mercy’s remains from China.
The delegation indicated that the Assembly would continue to engage with the family and provide the necessary institutional support towards ensuring that the late Mercy Yaaba Bredureceives a befitting and dignified final farewell when her remains arrive in Ghana.
One of the most emotional moments of the visit was the presentation of a cash donation from the Information Services Department to Mercy’s mother.
The gesture was particularly significant because it was rooted in one of the Department’s cherished traditions.
As part of its usual practice, colleagues within the Department make contributions to celebrate one another on their birthdays. Mercy’s 24th birthday was marked in August 2026, and a cash donation had been prepared as part of that customary birthday gesture.
Under ordinary circumstances, the money would have been presented to Mercy herself amid birthday wishes, smiles and celebrations.
But fate had written a heartbreaking story.
Instead, the Municipal Information Officer presented the birthday donation to Mercy’s mother during the condolence visit.
What was intended to celebrate a colleague’s life and another year of her journey had, in the space of days, become a poignant tribute to her memory.
The gesture symbolised the affection colleagues had for Mercy and served as a touching reminder that although she was no longer physically present, she remained very much a part of the Department’s collective memory.
The tragedy has left colleagues reflecting on the dreams Mercy carried with her when she departed Ghana.
She had secured a fully funded scholarship, opened the door to an advanced academic qualification, and embarked on a journey that promised to expand her horizons and create new opportunities.
Sadly, the journey ended before it could truly begin.
Her story has therefore resonated deeply with those who knew her, a young woman who left home with dreams of academic advancement but whose life was unexpectedly cut short thousands of miles away.
For her family, the grief is immeasurable.
For her colleagues, there is the painful realization that someone they worked with and celebrated only recently is no longer coming back
The Effutu Municipal Assembly reiterated its commitment to standing with the bereaved family throughout the mourning period.
As arrangements continue towards the repatriation of Mercy’s remains to Ghana, the Assembly remains prepared to work with the family and other relevant stakeholders to support the process and ensure that she receives the dignified burial she deserves.
The Assembly extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the late Miss Mercy Yaaba Bredu, as well as all colleagues and associates who have been touched by her life.
At just 24 years, Mercy had much more life ahead of her and dreams yet to be fulfilled.
She left Ghana in pursuit of knowledge and a brighter future.
She returned, tragically, only in memory.
May the gentle soul of Miss Mercy Yaaba Bredu rest in perfect peace.
May God grant her bereaved family, colleagues, friends and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
BY: Charles Baah Aboagye
Information Services Department
Effutu Municipal Assembly
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