Teen with Sickle‑Cell Disease Dies After Guinea Exam‑Cheating Conviction

Mon Sep 14 2026 09:20:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 17‑year‑old Guinean boy with sickle‑cell disease died after a cheating conviction, raising questions over prison medical care and juvenile justice.

Mamadou Djouma Bah, 17, was sentenced to six months for using a phone during Guinea’s national school‑leaving exam. While in prison his sickle‑cell disease worsened, prompting a transfer to hospital where he later died. His father alleges he received no adequate medical care while detained. The case has sparked calls for an independent investigation and broader scrutiny of the treatment of detained students in Guinea.

Teen with Sickle‑Cell Disease Dies After Guinea Exam‑Cheating Conviction

Mamadou Djouma Bah, 17, was arrested on 15 July for allegedly using his phone during Guinea’s national school‑leaving baccalaureate exam. Two days later he was convicted of cheating and sentenced to six months of prison time, five of which were suspended.

While serving a month in the Kindia prison, his health deteriorated dramatically. He was transferred to the regional hospital, where a treating physician confirmed that he died under medical care.

Father’s Statement
"Dad, I’m dying," the boy reportedly said as he leaned against his father during the hospital visit, according to Saliou Bah, his father. His last words were relayed as the teenager was eventually discharged and succumbed to the disease at home.

Seniors and peers at the prison argued that sickle‑cell patients are at heightened risk for infections and anemia, conditions that can worsen in inadequate detention environments. Saliou Bah has called for an investigation, saying his son received no good medical care.

Education Minister Alpha Bacar Barry expressed deep sadness at the news and offered condolences. Human rights organisations have called for an independent inquiry and for the release of other detained students who may be at risk.

In a recent demonstration, students protested against the detention of classmates and urged authorities to consider alternatives to imprisonment for such minor infractions. "A student should not be sent to prison. These young people are the future of our country," Saliou Bah said, adding that the death of his son is a loss of their future.