A tragic incident has rocked the community of Mempeasem, a suburb of Assin Fosu in Ghana’s Central Region, where a 26-year-old man identified as Barron Guda, popularly known as “Efutu,” lost his life in a suspected arson attack.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 8, 2026, when fire engulfed a wooden structure where the deceased resided.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire broke out at dawn and rapidly consumed the structure before emergency services could intervene.
Responding to a distress call from local residents around 7:00 a.m., personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Ghana Police Service arrived at the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze.
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However, by the time the fire was brought under control, the lifeless and charred body of Barron Guda had been discovered in the remains of the building.
Confirming the incident, the Assin Fosu District Crime Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rosemond Duncan, said initial investigations had begun, and the remains of the victim had been conveyed to the morgue for autopsy and further analysis.
Some residents have raised concerns over possible foul play, alleging that prior to the incident, a group of local mechanics had accused the deceased of theft and reportedly issued threats against him.
“They warned that they would either burn him or forcefully eject him from the area. That is why we believe this fire was not accidental,” a concerned resident told local media.
Police have since launched a full-scale investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and ascertain whether criminal elements were involved.
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No arrests have been made yet, but authorities are urging anyone with information to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The tragic loss of Barron Guda has left the Mempeasem community in shock, with residents calling for justice and a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.