Residents of Kasoa-Zongo in the Central Region were left in shock after the body of a 90-year-old knife sharpener, Alhaji Nurudeen San-Yariga, was discovered in his room three days after his death.

According to neighbours, a strong stench had been emanating from the house for days, which many initially assumed was from a dead animal in the vicinity.

However, the tragic reality was uncovered when a woman who had gone to deliver food to the elderly man forced open the door and discovered his lifeless body.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as distressing, with the body found in an advanced state of decomposition and flies swarming around the room.

Officials from the Awutu Senya East National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) were called to the scene and retrieved the body, which was subsequently buried in line with Islamic customs.

While the cause of death remains unknown, local authorities have ruled out foul play for now.

To avert potential health hazards, officers from the Environmental Health Department and NADMO fumigated the area immediately after the retrieval.

Residents have since expressed sorrow over the incident and urged community members to regularly check on elderly neighbours living alone to prevent similar tragedies.