A tragic domestic fire outbreak on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Akim Swedru-Ekuase in the Eastern Region claimed the life of a 65-year-old man, Kwasi Duodu, and destroyed two single rooms in a mud house.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) crew from Akim Oda, led by STNO II Sekyere, was alerted at 15:58 hours and responded promptly to the scene.

Firefighters swiftly brought the blaze under control within minutes of arrival.

However, upon extinguishing the fire, they discovered the charred remains of Mr. Duodu, who was the occupant of one of the affected rooms.

Preliminary investigations by the fire service have ruled out electrical faults or gas-related causes.

However, the presence of matchsticks and unconfirmed reports of nearby illicit activities have been noted, prompting the GNFS to refer the matter to the Swedru Police for further investigation.

In the aftermath of the incident, the GNFS has engaged residents of the community in fire safety education, stressing the importance of early reporting and preventive measures.

Emergency contact numbers—112 and 0302772446—were also shared with the public for quick response in future emergencies.

The incident has left the community in shock, with local authorities urging residents to be vigilant and prioritize safety, especially as the dry season approaches.