Tragic japa: Ghanaian father of five dies during immigration checks at Toronto Airport 

A Ghanaian man, Albert Kesse, has tragically died just minutes after landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada, his family has confirmed.

The incident has plunged his relatives back home into grief, and they are demanding clearer answers about the circumstances surrounding his death.

The 40-something father of five collapsed about 10 minutes after arriving in Canada on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Ghana, during the immigration processing at the airport, according to family members and media reports.

Family members appeared on the Auntie Naa’s Oyerepa Afutuo show on Oyerepa FM and TV to relay their anguish after being told of his death by a travel agent who handled his documents, but with no details on how he died or where his body was located.

“It was supposed to be a new beginning for him,” one relative said. “He called before the flight, full of hope. But moments after landing, we learned he was gone. We deserve to know exactly what happened.”

Albert Kesse Taken to hospital after collapse

The broadcaster’s follow-up inquiries with Canadian authorities and airline officials confirmed that soon after arrival, Kesse collapsed at the immigration area and was rushed to Etobicoke General Hospital, where doctors attempted to save him but could not revive him. The official cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.

Kesse’s wife, visibly distraught during the interview, described the pain of receiving fragmented information from intermediaries rather than clear medical or official communication.

“He was a good man who wanted to build a future for his family,” she said. “We just want the truth — where he died, what went wrong, and how to bring him home.”

What happens during immigration checks at Canadian Airports?

When travellers land at airports like Toronto Pearson on international flights, they must pass through immigration and customs before exiting the terminal. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) oversees this process.

International arrivals typically follow these steps:

Identity verification and customs declaration: Passengers may use electronic kiosks or eGates to scan their passports, take a photo, and answer questions about items they are bringing into the country.

Border officer processing: After using a kiosk, travellers present their receipt to a CBSA officer, who confirms travel documents and may ask additional questions about the purpose and length of stay.

Secondary checks: Depending on travel history, documentation or risk signals, some travellers may be directed for further questioning or medical screening before they can proceed to baggage claim and departure areas.

This process — normally routine — can involve extended standing, queuing and interactions with officers, especially at peak times, although most travellers clear it without incident.

Family demands clarity

Kesse’s family, still reeling from the loss, has appealed for official reports, medical documentation and transparent communication from both Canadian authorities and the airline. They also said they are exploring how to secure proper paperwork to potentially repatriate his remains to Ghana.

“He was the backbone of our family,” a relative said. “We need answers, not silence.”

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