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The grief-stricken community of Akyempim in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region was plunged into mourning on Tuesday, November 11, as an entire family of seven who perished in a tragic fire disaster was laid to rest — together, in a single grave.
The victims — Ama Dapaah, 39, and her six children, Maame Yaa (18), Kwabi (15), Kwame Rasteo (13), Isaac Charteng Afriyie (6), Abigail Anima Afriyie (4), and Kwadwo (7 months) — were all burnt to death in what investigators believe was an arson attack deliberately set by the father and husband of the family, Yaw Afriyie, popularly known as Batman.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of November 1, 2025, when fire engulfed the family’s residence. According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), personnel from the Dunkwa-on-Offin station responded swiftly to a distress call around 1 a.m., but access to the burning house proved difficult as the main entrance had been locked from inside.
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By the time firefighters broke through, all seven victims had already been consumed by the flames.
At Tuesday’s emotional burial ceremony, hundreds of mourners — relatives, friends, and residents — gathered in tears as the family was interred. The mother’s body, which was somewhat identifiable, was placed in a coffin, while the charred remains of the six children were buried in body bags beside her.
The sombre atmosphere was punctuated by wails and prayers as clergy and community leaders called for healing and justice.
Tragically, the father, Yaw Afriyie, was later found dead in a nearby bush, having allegedly committed suicide after the horrific act. Residents suspect the incident was triggered by a domestic dispute between Afriyie and his late wife, Ama Dapaah.
The devastating event has sparked calls for increased community awareness around domestic violence and mental health intervention.
“This is one of the darkest moments in our community’s history,” a resident lamented. “No one should ever have to bury an entire family in one grave.”
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, even as the Akyempim community struggles to come to terms with the enormity of the tragedy.
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