Ghanaian Prof Shot Dead by Wife After Child Drop-Off

A Ghanaian academic who dedicated his career to helping rural communities adapt to climate change was fatally shot in the driveway of his estranged wife’s home in southern Illinois on Saturday, authorities said, leaving colleagues, students and the Ghanaian diaspora in mourning.

Dr. Kofi Akamani, 48, a professor of forest recreation and conservation social science at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, died from multiple gunshot wounds after being ambushed while sitting in his car. His wife, Betty Akamani, 35, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of endangering the life or health of a child. She remains in custody without bond.

Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies responded just after 5 p.m. on September 19 to a reported shooting near Lake Road between Murphysboro and Carbondale. Prosecutors later said the incident occurred at a residence on Anthony Drive in Murphysboro. According to court records, Akamani had just completed a scheduled visitation with the couple’s two young daughters and was preparing to leave when his wife allegedly opened fire into the vehicle.

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Investigators recovered six spent shell casings at the scene; Akamani suffered five gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, where he was pronounced dead.

The couple had been separated for approximately two years and were in the midst of contentious divorce proceedings centered on custody of their daughters. Prosecutors told a Jackson County judge on Monday that Betty Akamani had previously made unsubstantiated claims that her husband was involved in child trafficking through a local restaurant—an allegation investigated by the sheriff’s office and found to be false. Statements from the couple’s children also failed to support the claims. The state further cited earlier court testimony from Kofi Akamani describing years of alleged manipulation and mental-health concerns involving his wife.

Betty Akamani appeared before Judge Steven Bost on September 21. Assistant State’s Attorney Sophia Allen argued successfully for her detention without bond, describing the shooting as an ambush following a child-exchange visit. Her next court date is a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 6.

She has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

Akamani’s death has sent shockwaves through SIU Carbondale, where he had taught for 15 years in the College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences. Colleagues remembered him as a gentle, smiling presence known for his kindness, rigorous work ethic and ability to connect across cultures. The forestry department described him as “deeply loved by his forestry family at SIU and by colleagues across the globe.” A campus vigil was held Tuesday evening on the front lawn of the Agriculture Building; a formal memorial is planned for a later date. The university has made counseling services available to students and staff.

Born in Ghana, Akamani earned a bachelor’s degree in development planning from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi. He later obtained a Master of Philosophy from the University of Oslo and a Ph.D. in natural resources from the University of Idaho. His research focused on the resilience of rural, resource-dependent communities in both Ghana and the United States, examining adaptive governance of forests, water and agricultural landscapes in the face of climate change. He contributed to major international assessments, including the Fifth National Climate Assessment, and served as director of SIU’s agricultural sciences doctoral program and director of graduate studies in forestry. He was also editor-in-chief of the Journal of Sustainable Forestry.

University statements expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to Akamani’s family, students and colleagues. In Ghana, news of the killing has drawn widespread attention, with many noting the loss of a scholar who maintained strong ties to his homeland while building an international academic career.

The investigation remains active. Authorities have declined to release additional details pending further court proceedings.