A deeply tragic fire incident in Akyempim, located in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of Ghana's Central Region, claimed the lives of a woman and her six children last Saturday. Authorities suspect the blaze was deliberately set by the husband and father, Yaw Afriyie, who subsequently died by suicide. The victims were identified as Ama Dapaah, her five children aged between seven months and 15 years, and an older daughter or grandchild, totaling seven lives lost.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the police indicate that Yaw Afriyie, also known as Batman, intentionally ignited the fire inside the bedroom where his family was sleeping. He is believed to have then locked the room from the outside, preventing any escape, before fleeing the scene. The suspect's body was later discovered hanging from a tree in a nearby bush on the outskirts of Akyempim, confirming a suspected suicide.

The Dunkwa-On-Offin Fire Station received a distress call at approximately 1:04 a.m. on the day of the incident. Firefighters arrived at the residence at 1:20 a.m., finding one of the four-bedroom house's rooms completely engulfed in flames and securely padlocked from the exterior. Despite their swift response, the fire was contained by 1:32 a.m., but all seven occupants trapped inside had already succumbed to the blaze.

Information gathered revealed a history of severe domestic abuse within the marriage of Yaw Afriyie, a farmer and small-scale miner, and Ama Dapaah, which had lasted over a decade. Sources indicate Afriyie had a history of violent behavior, exacerbated by suspected potency issues and accusations of adultery against his wife. He had previously spent three months in jail for causing life-threatening injuries to two of his children when a weapon aimed at Ama Dapaah struck them. Despite her appeal for leniency, the abuse continued after his release.

Due to the escalating violence and failed mediation efforts, Ama Dapaah had moved out of her matrimonial home to her parents' house, also in Akyempim, with her children. Eyewitness accounts recounted by the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Commander of Police, DSP Simon Boavo, stated that Afriyie had encountered Ama Dapaah outside her home around midnight on the fateful day, questioning her presence and then escorting her back to the house. Neighbors and family members also reported that Afriyie had previously threatened to kill Ama Dapaah and then commit suicide before the enstoolment of a new Denkyirahene, though these threats were not reported to the police.

The charred remains of the victims were handed over to the police at Atekyem for further examination and investigation. The bodies are currently at the Dunkwa Municipal Government Hospital mortuary, awaiting post-mortem before being released to the families for burial. Central Regional Public Relations Officer for the GNFS, DO II Abdul Wasiu Hudu, and the police have both described the incident as "deeply tragic" and urged the public to remain calm while authorities work to uncover the full circumstances leading to this heartbreaking loss, also reminding the public to practice fire safety.