UPSA law valedictorian dies weeks after first-class graduation

Ghana’s legal community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Rabiatu Wesoamu Jemimah, a former valedictorian of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School, barely weeks after graduating with First Class Honours.

Jemimah, who was named Overall Best Graduating Student at UPSA’s 18th Congregation on September 25, 2026, reportedly passed away on Wednesday, November 11, after a short illness at a hospital in Accra.

Her death comes shortly after she began her pre-bar training at the Ghana School of Law’s GIMPA campus, marking another step towards her ambition of becoming a lawyer.

According to reports, she was initially admitted to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital before being transferred to another medical facility.
However, claims surrounding the circumstances of her transfer, including an alleged oxygen shortage, have not been independently confirmed.

Her passing has attracted emotional tributes from friends and associates, many of whom have expressed shock over the loss of a young woman whose academic accomplishments had marked her out as a promising talent in the legal profession.

One of her close friends, Phyllis Marfo Ayeh, described Jemimah as a selfless and kind-hearted person, recalling the plans they had made together ahead of their anticipated call to the Bar.

She expressed sadness over the loss, particularly as the two had looked forward to celebrating their professional milestone together.

Beyond her academic achievements, Jemimah also had a background in pageantry, having represented Ghana at Miss Galaxy Ghana in 2019.

Her outstanding performance at UPSA Law School and her ambition to pursue a career in law had earned her recognition among her peers.

Her untimely death has left friends, colleagues and well-wishers mourning the loss of a young woman whose promising legal career had only just begun.