An abusive marriage ended in unimaginable tragedy last Saturday when a woman, her five children, and a grandchild were burnt to death in what police
An abusive marriage ended in unimaginable tragedy last Saturday when a woman, her five children, and a grandchild were burnt to death in what police suspect was a deliberate act of arson by the family’s patriarch at Akyempim in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region.
The alleged perpetrator, Yaw Afriyie, also known as Batman, was later found hanging from a tree in a suspected suicide, bringing a chilling end to years of domestic violence and turmoil.
According to preliminary investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the police, Afriyie is believed to have padlocked the bedroom from outside before setting it ablaze around 1:00 a.m., trapping his wife, Ama Dapaah, and their children inside. Firefighters arrived within minutes but found the room engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished in 12 minutes, but none of the occupants survived.
The charred bodies of the victims — five children aged between seven months and 15 years, their mother, and a grandchild — were later handed over to the police for further investigation. The remains have since been deposited at the Dunkwa Municipal Government Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
Police sources revealed that Afriyie, a farmer and small-scale miner, had a long history of domestic abuse. He reportedly spent three months in jail recently for inflicting life-threatening injuries on two of his children after a violent outburst targeting his wife. Following his release, his wife returned home after pleading for leniency on his behalf, but the abuse persisted.
Family sources disclosed that Afriyie had been increasingly paranoid and insecure, often accusing his wife of infidelity — suspicions believed to have fueled the deadly attack.
Eyewitnesses said on the night of the tragedy, Afriyie confronted Ama Dapaah outside her family home around midnight, questioning her about why she was still out. He then reportedly escorted her home — only to return later to carry out the heinous act.
Police confirmed that Afriyie had previously threatened to kill his wife and end his own life, but none of the threats were reported to authorities.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Simon Boavo, the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Commander, described the incident as “deeply tragic,” urging the public to report domestic abuse and take threats seriously.
“The woman had endured years of violence and even pleaded for mercy for her husband after his conviction because he was the breadwinner. Sadly, this leniency cost her and the children their lives,” DSP Boavo said.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the case, while counseling and community sensitization efforts are expected to follow in the area.