Dr. Kofi Akamani, a 48-year-old Ghanaian professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU), was ambushed at his home in Jackson County, Illinois, on Saturday, September 19, 2026 and shot dead.
Authorities say His wife, 35-year-old Betty Akamani, was responsible for the Heinous act. She was arrested at the scene and faces two counts of first-degree murder.
Kofi was transported to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities say the shooting occurred in the front yard of their residence. The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the alleged motive remain under investigation.
Dr. Akamani had reportedly spent 15 years at SIU Carbondale, where he served as a professor of Forest Recreation and Conservation Social Science in the Department of Forestry. He also served as director of the agricultural sciences doctoral program and director of graduate studies in forestry.
His academic work focused on important issues including:
• Natural resource management and governance of forests, water and agricultural landscapes.
• Climate-change resilience and how rural communities adapt to environmental changes.
• Research and contributions to major international environmental assessments, including the Fifth National Climate Assessment.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale expressed deep sorrow over his death and extended condolences to his family, colleagues and students. The university has also made counseling and mental-health resources available to affected students.