The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) community is in mourning after the death of Nelson Blay Nokotey, a Level 300 Top-Up Journalism student whose life was cut short in a hit-and-run incident in Accra.
Nelson died on Monday, January 19, 2026, after he was knocked down by an unregistered vehicle on the N1 Highway near the Dzorwulu traffic light intersection.
Eyewitnesses describe the incident as disturbing, saying the driver briefly stopped as if to help before speeding off and abandoning the victim on the road. Nelson’s body was later found by a police patrol team hours after the crash.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the South Legon campus, prompting an outpouring of grief from students, lecturers and management.
In a statement issued on Thursday, January 22, UniMAC Management described the loss as a “grave violation of the sanctity of human life” and expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the young journalist.
As a mark of respect, the university’s flag is flying at half-mast while the campus reflects on the sudden loss.
“Management, on behalf of the Governing Council, faculty, staff and students, extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Nelson Blay Nokotey.
“He was a valued and promising member of the UniMAC family whose death is not only a loss to the institution, but to the nation,” portions of the statement said.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Eric Opoku Mensah has since engaged the bereaved family, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and the student body in a series of meetings to offer support and assure them of the university’s commitment to justice.
UniMAC has handed the case over to the Ghana Police Service for full investigation. Officials including the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Ike Tandoh, and the Chief Security Officer are working closely with investigators to help trace the unregistered vehicle and its driver.
The university says it will remain firm in pushing for the arrest and prosecution of whoever is responsible for Nelson’s death.
Beyond the immediate tragedy, the incident has revived concerns about pedestrian safety around the Dzorwulu intersection on the N1. Although a footbridge exists further away, many commuters and students still risk crossing the busy highway daily.
Management has announced fresh engagement with the National Road Safety Authority and municipal authorities to review safety conditions in the area, including lighting, signage and safer pedestrian crossings around South Legon.
“These steps are meant to protect students, staff and residents, and ensure they can move and learn in a safe environment,” the statement noted.
Amid the tension and grief, the university has appealed for calm and cooperation with the police.
SRC President-elect Moses Desire Kouyo also called on students to honour Nelson’s memory with “dignity and restraint” while continuing to demand practical reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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