11 Years On: Castro and Janet Bandu’s Mysterious Disappearance at Ada Estuary Still Unsolved

Today marks exactly 11 years since Ghanaian music icon Castro (Theophilus Tagoe) and his companion Janet Bandu mysteriously vanished at the Ada Estuary, sparking one of the most tragic and enduring mysteries in Ghana’s entertainment history.

The two were part of a leisure trip with former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan, his elder brother Baffour Gyan, and several friends at the Aqua Safari Resort on July 6, 2014, when the incident occurred.

According to eyewitness accounts, Castro and Janet went jet ski riding and never returned. Despite immediate rescue operations and days of intense searches by the Ghana Navy, Marine Police, and local divers, no bodies were recovered—only the jet ski was later found.

■ The Legend That Faded Too Soon

Castro, known for hits like Toffee, African Girls, and Adonai (with Sarkodie), was at the peak of his career and widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most gifted vocalists and performers.

Janet Bandu, described by friends as bubbly and adventurous, had reportedly joined the group on short notice and was unfamiliar with the jet ski.

Their disappearance sent shockwaves across the nation, igniting widespread speculation, conspiracy theories, and national mourning. Many believed Castro had faked his death or had “spiritually vanished,” given the folklore surrounding the Ada estuary.

■ Legal Deadline and Lingering Questions

Under Ghanaian law, a person can be legally declared dead after seven years of disappearance without trace. In 2021, that threshold was met, but Castro’s family and sections of the public have remained reluctant to accept his death without evidence.

To date, no official funeral has been held for the artist, and his music continues to echo across airwaves every July in tribute.

■ A Silence That Still Hurts

The families of both Castro and Janet Bandu have largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, reportedly choosing to grieve privately. However, the pain remains palpable among fans and industry colleagues.

“It’s still hard to believe. Castro was a star in his own right—charismatic, humble, talented,” said a longtime collaborator. “We still feel his absence.”

As Ghana remembers this somber anniversary, many are left reflecting not only on Castro’s legacy but also on the fragility of life, the unanswered questions, and the void left behind by two young souls who simply went out to enjoy a day on the water—and never returned.