A shocking tragedy has rocked the town of Akyempim in Ghana’s Central Region after a man reportedly set his home on fire, killing his wife, five children, and a grandchild before ending his own life.
The horrifying event took place in the early hours of Saturday, November 1, 2025, leaving the local community in deep grief. Neighbors reported seeing flames and thick smoke coming from the house around 1:04 a.m. and quickly alerted the Ghana National Fire Service. Firefighters arrived promptly, but one of the bedrooms was already fully engulfed in flames.
Authorities revealed that the room had been padlocked from the outside, trapping all occupants inside. Despite efforts to control the fire, all seven people inside perished before the blaze was brought under control.
Police and fire investigators later confirmed that the fire was intentionally set. Evidence pointed to the husband, Yaw Afriyie, also known locally as “Batman,” as the suspect. Reports indicate that he fled to a nearby bush after starting the fire, where his body was later found hanging from a tree, suggesting he took his own life.
The victims have been identified as Ama Dapaah, Afriyie’s wife, their children Maame Yaa (17), Kobby Snr (13), Kwame (11), Kobby Jnr (9), Maame Anima (4), a seven-month-old baby Kwodwo, and a grandchild who was in the house at the time.
The home, now completely destroyed, has become a site of mourning, with hundreds of residents expressing their shock and sadness over the devastating loss.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.